Hosted by the Dubai International Art Centre | Sponsored by Sadek Music Centre
The 1st International Classical Guitar Competition – Dubai 2025 brought together young musicians, seasoned judges, and cultural leaders for a landmark event in the UAE’s artistic calendar. Hosted by Dubai International Art Centre and supported by Sadek Music Centre, the competition celebrated excellence, diversity, and the future of classical guitar.
Dubai witnessed a milestone event on June 21st, 2025—the debut of the 1st International Classical Guitar Competition, held at the prestigious Dubai International Art Centre. This cultural institution, founded in 1976 and located in a villa in Jumeirah, is one of the UAE’s oldest and most respected creative establishments. DIAC is a non-profit, member-led organization offering over 80 art, music, and design courses to a diverse community of artists. Its mission to make the arts accessible and meaningful created the ideal setting for the event.
The competition was proudly sponsored by Sadek Music Centre, established in 1979. A family-owned business and cornerstone of the UAE’s music community, Sadek Music has grown from a small shop in Sharjah into one of the country’s leading music retailers. As an authorized dealer of Gibson, Epiphone, Taylor, Martin, and Alhambra, and a supporter of music education, Sadek brought both credibility and community reach to this competition.
An Inspired Gathering of Talent and Tradition
The presence of respected adjudicators ensured an exceptional standard of evaluation. The judging panel included:
Howard Wong – Award-winning baritone and conductor, with appearances at the Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and Wigmore Hall. Chief Conductor of the Middle East Orchestra and an experienced educator, he has prepared choirs for collaborations with artists like Andrea Bocelli and taught at institutions including Cambridge University.
Ivan Kovalenko – Classical guitarist, composer, and educator with over 18 years of international experience. He teaches at the Russian Music Center in the UAE and works across a wide range of musical styles, from classical and jazz to electronic and film scoring.
Their professionalism and musical insights provided a clear and fair framework for assessment throughout all categories.
Special recognition also goes to Jojo Augustin, representing Sadek Music Centre, and Saheera Amen, Manager of Dubai International Art Centre, whose support and presence reinforced the event’s credibility and future potential.
Winners and Their Musical Statements
The participants performed thoughtfully curated programs tailored to their age groups and technical levels, and the winners distinguished themselves not only through flawless execution but also through musical interpretation and stage presence. Here are the winners:
Junior Category (Ages 6–9)
1st place: Mia Sijilmassi
Mia captivated the audience with her confident phrasing in Gypsy Dance and expressive clarity in Spanish Dance. Her rhythmic control and joyful energy set her apart as a promising young artist.
2nd place: Adrian Spasov
Adrian brought poise to his interpretations of Carulli and Hasted, delivering articulate phrasing with careful dynamic contrast. A strong competitor with refined musical instincts.
3rd place: Christian Krumov
Christian performed with admirable precision, pairing classical formality with modern flair in Regular Reggae. His tone and posture reflected solid foundational technique.
Intermediate Category (Ages 10–13)
1st place: Mark Andrade
With a sensitive rendering of Gardens In The Rain and deep emotional maturity in Tárrega’s Sueño, Mark offered an exceptional balance between technical finesse and expressive depth.
2nd place: Aadi Aneja
Aadi impressed with his fluid transitions in Spice Trail and tonal nuance in Nostalgia. His ability to connect with contrasting styles showed advanced interpretive range.
3rd place (tie): Lea Spasova
Lea’s stylish interpretation of the French Dance (Tourdion) and her confident rhythmic grip in Funky Juan highlighted her flair for baroque ornamentation and modern syncopation.
3rd place (tie): Jehan Patel
Jehan’s subtle dynamics in Orlando Sleepeth and lyricism in Nostalgia demonstrated thoughtful phrasing and control, earning her a well-deserved spot in the top tier
Premiere Category (Ages 14–18)
1st place: Brian Kenodh Setika De Silva
Brian delivered a powerful and mature performance of Asturias (Leyenda) and Capricho Árabe, commanding the stage with rich tone, technical certainty, and emotive clarity. A rising virtuoso to watch.
2nd place: Manuel Alvarez–Osorio
Manuel’s spirited Allegretto and graceful handling of Stachak’s Country Étude radiated with elegance and confidence. His clarity in articulation marked a refined interpretive voice.
3rd place: Nile Gondal
Nile’s charm shone through in his light-footed Waltz and rhythmic mastery in Regular Reggae. A compelling blend of musicality and stage ease defined his performance.
A Musical Legacy in the Making
Special highlights included appearances by the Classical Guitar Trio—Hasmik Danielyan, Mirza Dautovic, and Valentin Spasov—whose performance bridged generations of artistry and inspired both participants and guests alike.
Junior Category: Mia Sijilmassi
Intermediate Category: Mark Andrade
Premiere Category: Brian Kenodh Setika De Silva
Each of the winners is proudly standing with their trophies, certificates, and a selection of gifts graciously presented by the Dubai International Art Centre and Sadek Music Centre, including beautifully crafted guitars and accessories that mark their achievement and celebrate their musical journey.
As the final applause echoed through the venue, one truth resonated clearly: the 1st International Classical Guitar Competition – Dubai 2025 was not only a competition, but a celebration of discipline, connection, and the universal language of music.
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