23 Jan 10th “Davide Lufrano Chaves” National Guitar Competition
10th NATIONAL GUITAR COMPETITION
“DAVIDE LUFRANO CHAVES”
Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, 2026
It is with great excitement that we announce the tenth edition of the National Guitar Competition dedicated to the memory of Davide Lufrano Chaves, an event that celebrates talent, passion, and guitar artistry in all its forms.
The Verdi Music School of Prato, in collaboration with the Camerata Strumentale di Prato, is proud to continue this tradition that honors Davide’s extraordinary artistic legacy: a musician who was able to cross genres and boundaries, from classical guitar to jazz, from flamenco to world music, leaving an indelible mark on the international music scene.
The Categories
The competition welcomes guitarists of all ages and styles, divided into four categories that reflect Davide’s musical openness:
Category A – Soloists up to 19 years old (classical repertoire): Dedicated to young talents, with a free program lasting no more than 10 minutes. A €300 scholarship is awarded for the overall first prize.
Category B – Soloists without age limit (classical repertoire): Open to all classical guitarists, with a program lasting no more than 15 minutes. A €400 scholarship is awarded for the overall first prize.
Category C – Chamber Music Ensembles: Dedicated to groups with guitar, classical repertoire, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes. A €500 scholarship is awarded for the overall first prize.
Category D – Soloists without age restrictions (all repertoire): The category that best represents Davide’s spirit, open to jazz, folk, pop, blues, flamenco, and international styles, in fingerstyle or mixed techniques. Free repertoire, transcriptions, or original arrangements, up to 15 minutes in length. A €400 scholarship is available for the overall first prize.
A Tribute to Davide
Davide Lufrano Chaves (1983-2013) began his musical journey at the G. Verdi School of Music in Prato, where he graduated in classical guitar with Carlo Mascilli Migliorini. His thirst for knowledge led him to explore jazz with Gianni Zei and Riccardo Galardini, and flamenco with Juan Lorenzo and Oscar Herrero, creating a unique and personal musical language.
Since 2009, in the United Kingdom, Davide has established himself as a leading guitarist and composer, collaborating with British bands such as The Magic Tombolinos, performing at prestigious international festivals such as the Sziget Festival, and teaching at the Royal Academy of London. Music critics have described his sound as “beautiful guitar lines constantly rippled through the dense textures of the music like sonic flowers—quite exquisite.”
This competition aims to be a bridge between generations of musicians, an opportunity to share the same passion that drove Davide and that continues to inspire anyone who had the privilege of knowing him or listening to his music.
Information and Registration
Registration Fees:
• €30 for soloists (Categories A, B, and D)
• €20 for each member of chamber ensembles (Category C)
Registration Deadline:
Friday, February 20, 2026
Registrations must be completed exclusively by email to scuola.verdi@comune.prato.it, attaching the bank transfer receipt and a photocopy of your ID.
The Jury:
An exceptional jury will evaluate the participants’ performances: Carlo Mascilli Migliorini (President), Marina Smuraglia, Riccardo Galardini, Gianni Zei, and Giorgio Rossini.
For information:
G. Verdi School of Music
Via S. Trinità, 2 – Prato
Tel. 0574 183 88 11
www.scuolaverdi.it
Organizing Committee:
Pasquale Lufrano, Paolo Ponzecchi, Elia Orlando, Tommaso Rosati
