Experience the world's best young guitarists at Kviknes
It is with great pleasure that we can announce that Balestrand and Kviknes Hotel will have the honor of hosting the semi-finals and finals of the Tino Andersen International Guitar Festival (TAIGF) 2025 – one of the most prestigious guitar festivals in the world.
The festival brings together 40 of the finest young guitarists from around the globe, all of whom have qualified through several demanding rounds of international participation.
A tribute to the classical guitar
TAIGF is more than a competition. The festival celebrates the expression of the classical guitar through concerts, master classes, family events and free lessons for children. The main part of the festival itself takes place in Bergen, but the final rounds and several major highlights are held in Balestrand and Kviknes Hotel.
World-class competition
Semi-final: Friday 10 October at 2 p.m
Final: Saturday, October 11 at 2:00 PM
Both events are open to the public and take place in our historic halls with stunning views of the Sognefjord. The competition will also be professionally streamed to a global audience – the organizers expect over 100,000 viewers worldwide.
Exclusive concert experiences in Balestrand
On Friday evening, October 10th at 9:00 PM, we invite you to a very special concert experience with the Mēla Guitar Quartet – a "miniature orchestra" with four guitars and an infinite number of timbres.
This award-winning ensemble won the Guitar Foundation of America International Ensemble Competition in 2023 and is known for its imaginative repertoire and creative arrangements. The quartet has performed at venues including the Southbank Centre, the Barbican, Westminster Abbey and Jimi Hendrix's own bedroom. In the spring of 2025, they toured the US and Canada for eight weeks as part of the GFA Prize, including the US premiere of Anthony Burgess' Concerto Grosso for four guitars and orchestra in California.
On Saturday, October 11th at 12:00, there will also be a free concert in Engelskkyrkja, open to anyone who wants to experience guitar playing in beautiful, acoustic surroundings.
Welcome to music experiences in the heart of Sogn
Kviknes Hotel is proud to collaborate with TAIGF and we look forward to welcoming artists, audiences and music lovers to an unforgettable weekend in Balestrand.
We look forward to sharing memorable experiences with you!
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