Guitar festival of J. K. Mertz is one of the most important events on the Slovak classical music festival scene and one of the oldest of its kind in the world.
The 50th edition builds on a long tradition and the successes recorded in recent years. It will host artists from Spain, Venezuela, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. From 22 to 26 June, the classical guitar will be played solo and in combination with string quartet, vocals, flute and percussion in attractive programmes of different periods. In the beautiful concert spaces of the historic centre, Moyzes Hall and the Klarisky Church, there will be no shortage of lively Spanish music and inspiring compositions by Slovak composers.
Its 50th edition, which will take place from June 21 to 26, 2026, will host artists from Spain, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In addition to guitar recitals, there will be chamber music programs featuring guitar combined with violin, guitar duos, and guitar quartets. The music will range from Baroque and Romantic to contemporary, with lively Spanish rhythms and premieres of works by contemporary Slovak composers.
The festival will again include a rich accompanying program (master classes, lectures, presentations) intended for both professionals and the general public.
TICKETS will be available in advance through the TICKETPORTAL network and one hour before each concert at the venue.
More information will be available soon.
Organier of the event: SPOLOČNOSŤ J.K. MERTZA - občianske združenie, sídlo: Rozvodná 11B, 83101 Bratislava, IČO: 42131570, DIČ: 2022558208, kontakt: +421 903 951 618, mail: festival.jkmertz.info@gmail.com
Co-organiser of the event: Bratislava Cultural and Information Centre.
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Supported using public funding by Slovak Arts Council - the main partner of the festival.
The event is supported by Bratislava Self-governing Region, the City of Bratislava, Embassy of Spain in Slovakia, Music Fund Slovakia, SOZA Social and Cultural Fund, Polish Institute Bratislava and other partners.
Educational activities are taking place in cooperation with the Július Kowalski Primary music school and Albrechtorum, o.z.
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J. K. Mertz Gitarrenfestival findet seit 1976 in Bratislava statt. Ihr Gründer und langjähriger Direktor ist Prof. Jozef Zsapka, und seit mehr als vier Jahrzehnten beherbergt das Festival Dutzende von Gitarristen, Musikern und Kammermusikensembles aus der Slowakei und der ganzen Welt. Zunächst unter dem Namen "Tage der Gitarrenmusik", später als "Internationales Gitarrenfestival von Johann Kaspar Mertz" und "Internationales Gitarrenfestival von J. K. Mertz" ist traditionell mit dem Beginn des jährlichen Bratislavaer Kultursommers verbunden.
Etwas aus der jüngeren Geschichte unseres Festivals:
Die ersten 40 Jahre unseres Festivals in Bildern:
