Since 1986, the Silesian Guitar Autumn has been shaping the musical landscape of Poland and Europe. From 17–24 October 2026, we invite audiences to Tychy and Katowice for the festival’s exceptional 20th edition. Eight days of virtuosity, passion, and world-class music await.
For four decades, the Silesian Guitar Autumn has transformed Tychy into the classical guitar capital of Europe, attracting guitar enthusiasts from around the globe. Evening concerts featuring internationally acclaimed artists, a three-stage international guitar competition, exhibitions by master luthiers, masterclasses led by renowned performers and educators, and an academic-artistic conference together offer a comprehensive exploration of the guitar world. Thanks to its diverse programme, the Festival appeals not only to guitar professionals and classical music lovers, but also to audiences discovering the instrument for the first time.
The guitar is a universal key to the world of music. It is one of the most popular instruments, associated with many different genres and capable of capturing people’s attention. Through the guitar, we can demonstrate the extraordinary richness of music. It exists in countless forms and styles. – Prof. Marek Nosal, Artistic Director of the Silesian Guitar Autumn
The Festival was founded by Jan Edmund Jurkowski, who also served as its first Artistic Director. Under his leadership, the inaugural edition took place in 1986. Since then, the Festival has been held every two years and has become one of Poland’s most prestigious classical guitar festivals.
Over the years, the Festival has continually evolved in response to audiences’ expectations, becoming not only one of Europe’s largest but also one of its longest-running festivals dedicated to the classical guitar. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this remarkable history through a special exhibition marking the Festival’s 40th anniversary, organised by the Tychy City Museum from mid-October.
A cornerstone of the Festival is the Jan Edmund Jurkowski International Guitar Competition, held in three stages. Since its inception in 1986, the Competition has maintained the unique tradition of requiring finalists to perform a concerto with orchestra. For many years, the finalists have appeared alongside AUKSO the Chamber Orchestra of the City of Tychy, conducted by Maestro Marek Moś.
For numerous young guitarists, winning the Tychy competition has proved to be a launching pad to international careers. Among its distinguished laureates are Jérémy Jouve, Gabriel Bianco, and artists appearing at this year’s Festival, including Marcin Dylla, Andrzej Olewiński, and Kyuhee Park.
People sometimes say that the Silesian Guitar Autumn is the guitar world’s equivalent of the Chopin Competition. It is certainly a wonderful compliment. – Prof. Marek Nosal
The Festival is organised by the Tychy Municipal Cultural Centre in close partnership with leading cultural institutions, including AUKSO the Chamber Orchestra of the City of Tychy, the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR), and the Henryk Mikołaj Górecki Silesian Philharmonic in Katowice. These partnerships ensure the Festival’s outstanding artistic quality and an engaging, ambitious programme.
The Festival’s artistic programme is curated by Prof. Marek Nosal, internationally respected guitarist, Professor at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice, and Dean of its Faculty of Instrumental Performance.
The Festival’s primary mission is to present the finest achievements of contemporary guitar artistry while creating a dialogue between tradition and innovation. Canonical masterpieces are presented alongside works reflecting today’s musical trends, showcasing a broad stylistic spectrum—from classical repertoire and flamenco to Latin American music and gypsy jazz. Equally important is the promotion of Polish musical culture, celebrating the achievements of Poland’s leading guitarists and contemporary composers.
The 20th edition of the Silesian Guitar Autumn brings together an outstanding international line-up of soloists, chamber ensembles, and the three distinguished Polish orchestras mentioned above: AUKSO, NOSPR, and the Silesian Philharmonic. The programme features five symphonic concerts and eight solo and chamber recitals.
Among this year’s internationally renowned performers are Grammy Award winner Mak Grgić, Josemi Carmona, Romero Lubambo, Chico Pinheiro, the Joscho Stephan Trio, the European Guitar Quartet, Michał Czachowski with his acclaimed Indialucia project, and emerging talents Andrzej Grygier and Bogdan Mihailescu. The anniversary edition will also feature the world premieres of new works for guitar and string orchestra by José María Sánchez-Verdú.
More Than a Festival
The Silesian Guitar Autumn is far more than a competition and a concert series. It is a vibrant platform for exchanging knowledge and experience among performers, students, teachers, researchers, and guitar enthusiasts.
The Festival programme also includes:
