International Guitar Encounters

The International Guitar Encounters of Antony

For over three decades, the International Guitar Encounters have made Antony (92160) one of the French capitals of classical and folk guitar every spring. Organized by the City of Antony and its cultural department, these music days annually bring together guitarists from all walks of life to share their art in the iconic venues of the town: the Espace Vasarely and the Théâtre Firmin Gémier.

A History of Over Thirty Years

The Encounters were founded at the turn of the 1990s, driven by the passion of local musicians and elected officials for the guitar in all its expressions. In 2026, they will reach their 33rd edition, making them one of the oldest and most regular events dedicated to the guitar in the Île-de-France region. Each edition has its own geographical or stylistic theme, allowing the festival to build a true sonic world tour over the years: jazz, Spanish classical, Brazilian, Argentinean music, flamenco, contemporary...

A Renowned International Competition

Since 2000, the Encounters have been associated with an International Guitar Competition held in parallel. This competition, open to young guitarists from around the world, has become a recognized stage on the international circuit of classical guitar competitions. It attracts very high-level candidates who come to compete in the city of Antony before performing in public during the final. The 26th edition of the competition will take place in 2026, demonstrating the longevity of this competitive aspect.

The 33rd Edition 2026: A Journey to Brazil and Beyond

For the 33rd edition from March 25 to 29, 2026, the International Guitar Encounters offer a program centered around Latin music and intercultural exchange. The opening evening, on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:45 PM at the Espace Vasarely, is offered with free admission: students from conservatories in six surrounding towns will perform "Homage to Darius Milhaud," the French composer who incorporated Brazilian music into his classical score.

On Thursday, March 26, a cabaret evening at the Espace Vasarely offers a journey through the musical heritage of Latin America, in a warm atmosphere with catering available. On Friday, March 27, the final of the International Competition will take place at the Conservatoire Darius Milhaud, hosting the best candidates of the competition for the occasion.

On Saturday, March 28, the festival presents a "Journey to Brazil" at the Théâtre Firmin Gémier, an evening entirely dedicated to Brazilian music — bossa nova, choro, baião, música popular brasileira — in a program that was sold out even before the festival began. Finally, on Sunday morning, March 29, the festival's closing event brings together two exceptional guitars: Croatia's Zoran Dukić and Italy's Aniello Desiderio, a duo of virtuosos in the classical repertoire for two guitars.