Andorra Sax Fest – Andorra 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Founded in 2014 by the Andorran Association of Saxophonists, the Andorra Sax Fest emerged to celebrate saxophone artistry, combining the Andorra International Saxophone Competition with concerts, masterclasses, and workshops. It was established to promote the saxophone as a versatile instrument and foster global musical exchange in Andorra la Vella.
• Tradition and Significance: Held annually in late March to early April, the festival is a premier international event for saxophone enthusiasts, attracting over 300 participants and thousands of spectators. It is recognized by the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) and is a key platform for both professional and youth saxophonists.
• Growth Over Time: Starting with a modest competition, the festival has grown to include a robust congress, youth competitions, and public events like the Walking Street Music parade. The 2025 edition set a record for attendance, with 109 participants in the Solo Competition and 50 in the Youth Competition, showcasing its rising global prominence.
• Cultural Impact: The festival elevates Andorra’s cultural profile, drawing international musicians from over 20 countries and fostering local engagement through free events. It supports emerging talent via competitions and masterclasses, while promoting saxophone innovation through commissioned works like Arnau Bataller’s piece in 2025.
• Modern Developments: Recent editions introduced livestreaming, social media engagement via “influencer” ambassadors (e.g., Mikhail Kazakov, Valentin Kovalev), and partnerships with brands like Selmer Paris and Vandoren. The 2025 festival saw increased external audience attendance, attributed to enhanced online promotion. The festival emphasizes accessibility with multilingual resources and live translations.
• Recognition: Noted by WFIMC as a “highly competitive” event with “world-class teachers,” it has crowned winners like Wataru Hirai (2025) and Makoto Hondo (2015), who perform globally. The festival’s Sax Awards honor contributions to saxophone culture, designed by Andorran artist Emma Regada.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • XII Solo Saxophone Competition: A flagship event (March 28–April 4, 2026) with three rounds: Check-in (March 28), Round 1 (March 29–31), Round 2 (April 2), and Final Round (April 4) at Centre de Congressos d’Andorra la Vella. Features performances of works like Caprice en Forme de Valse (Paul Bonneau), Brilliance (Ida Gotkovsky), and Concerto (Pierre Max Dubois). Winners receive prizes like a Selmer Paris Alto Saxophone Supreme and €8,000.
  • VIII Youth Competition: Held April 3, 2026, for young saxophonists, offering performance opportunities and mentorship, hosted at Centre de Congressos.
  • Congress Concerts: Eight evening concerts (7:00 PM–9:30 PM) at Centre de Congressos, featuring ensembles like Kebyart Ensemble, Moscow Sax Quartet, and soloists like Dmitry Pinchuk. Includes a performance with the Orquestra Nacional Clàssica d’Andorra, conducted by Vincent David.
  • Masterclasses: Led by artists like Vincent David, Aina Davidsen, and Mariano García, held at Centre Cultural la Llacuna (March 29–April 3). Focus on technique, repertoire, and improvisation.
  • Walking Street Music: A vibrant street parade on April 4 in Andorra la Vella’s commercial axis, featuring saxophone ensembles and local musicians, free for all.
  • Workshops and Presentations: Events like “Stretching for Saxophonists” (April 1) and Selmer Paris/Vandoren showcases (April 3), held at Centre de Congressos.
  • Sax Awards Ceremony: On April 4, honors contributors to saxophone culture, free entry, at Centre de Congressos.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Sax Awards: Annual awards designed by Emma Regada, recognizing global saxophone advocates, presented during a public ceremony.
  • Influencer Ambassadors: Former winners like Mikhail Kazakov and Valentin Kovalev create exclusive social media content, boosting engagement.
  • Live Streaming: Concerts and competitions are streamed on andorrasaxfest.com, accessible globally.
  • Youth Focus: The Youth Competition and masterclasses nurture young talent, ensuring the saxophone’s future.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Historic Venues: Performances at Centre de Congressos and Teatre Comunal, set against Andorra la Vella’s Pyrenean backdrop.
  • International Lineup: Artists like Christophe Bois, Sara Zazo, and Nikita Zimin from 15+ countries, offering diverse musical perspectives.
  • Public Engagement: Free events like the Walking Street Music parade and Sax Awards ceremony invite local and tourist participation.

Date & Duration

• Dates: March 28 – April 4, 2026
• Duration: 8 days
• Opening Hours:
  • Concerts: 7:00 PM–9:30 PM (Centre de Congressos, March 28–April 4).
  • Masterclasses/Workshops: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Centre Cultural la Llacuna, March 29–April 3).
  • Competitions: Solo (9:00 AM–8:00 PM, March 29–April 4); Youth (9:00 AM–6:00 PM, April 3).
  • Sax Awards/Walking Street Music: 3:00 PM–8:00 PM (April 4).
  • Box Office: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM at Centre de Congressos (March 28–April 4).

Venue / Location

• City: Andorra la Vella, Andorra
• Main Venues:
  • Centre de Congressos d’Andorra la Vella: Plaça del Poble, s/n, AD500, main hub for concerts, competitions, and workshops.
  • Centre Cultural la Llacuna: Carrer Mossén Cinto Verdaguer, 4, Edifici La Llacuna, 2n Pis, AD500, for masterclasses and study rooms.
  • Teatre Comunal: Carrer Antic Carrer Major, 24, AD500, for select performances.
• Notable Areas:
  • Commercial Axis: Hosts Walking Street Music parade, lined with shops and cafes.
  • Plaça del Poble: Central plaza near Congress Centre, ideal for pre-concert gatherings.
• Google Maps Address: Plaça del Poble, s/n, AD500 Andorra la Vella (Centre de Congressos).

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online: tickets.andorrasaxfest.com, starting January 2026, requires personal info (name, email) and contest category selection.
  • Box Office: Centre de Congressos (Plaça del Poble, s/n), open March 28–April 4, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (card, cash).
  • Accessibility Tickets: Email contact@andorrasaxfest.com for wheelchair or special needs seating.
• Admission Type:
  • Paid for concerts, masterclasses, and competition entries; free for Walking Street Music, Sax Awards, and select workshops.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Single Concert: $10.80–$27.00 (€10–€25).
  • Congress Pass: $108.00–$162.00 (€100–€150, includes all concerts and workshops).
  • Masterclass Registration: $32.40–$54.00 (€30–€50 per session).
  • Competition Entry (Solo/Youth): $54.00–$108.00 (€50–€100, includes participant access).
  • Free Events: Walking Street Music, Sax Awards, and select presentations ($0).
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $0 (free events).
  • Maximum: $162.00 (Congress Pass).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating at Centre de Congressos; contact contact@andorrasaxfest.com.
  • Congress Pass holders get priority concert seating and masterclass access.
  • No formal VIP options, but early ticket purchases ensure better seats.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General Inquiries: contact@andorrasaxfest.com
  • Press: info@pampliegaassociats.ad
  • Accessibility: contact@andorrasaxfest.com
  • Creative/Film: jordi@andorrasaxfest.com
• Phone: Not listed; email preferred for inquiries.
• Website: andorrasaxfest.com
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @andorrasaxfest
  • Facebook: @AndorraSaxFest
  • Hashtag: #AndorraSaxFest
• Key Staff:
  • General Manager/Artistic Director: Efrem Roca
  • Creative Director: Jordi Llorens
  • Press Office: Elena Pampliega (Pampliega & Associats)
  • Solo Competition Director: Nacho Gascón
  • Youth Competition Director: Matthieu Delage
  • Competitions Coordinator: Perancha Domingo
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email info@pampliegaassociats.ad by March 1, 2026, for accreditation.
  • Volunteers: Contact contact@andorrasaxfest.com (applications open January 2026).
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English, Spanish, Catalan support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Celebrates the saxophone’s versatility through professional and youth competitions, a tradition since 2014.
  • Walking Street Music parade brings music to Andorra’s streets, fostering community spirit.
  • Sax Awards honor global saxophone advocates, reinforcing the instrument’s cultural significance.
• Music:
  • Classical, contemporary, and jazz saxophone performances, from solo works to orchestral collaborations with the Orquestra Nacional Clàssica d’Andorra.
  • Street parade features lively saxophone ensembles and local bands, blending traditional and modern styles.
• Costumes:
  • Performers wear formal concert attire (e.g., black suits, dresses) for main concerts; casual or thematic outfits for street parades.
  • Attendees encouraged to dress smart-casual for concerts, vibrant for street events.
• Local Customs:
  • Respectful concert etiquette: Silence phones, no recording, arrive early for competitions.
  • Socializing post-concert in Andorra la Vella’s cafes, enjoying trinxat or tapas, a local tradition.
  • Engaging with “influencer” content on social media to follow festival highlights.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Trinxat: Andorran potato and cabbage dish with bacon, served at nearby restaurants.
  • Escudella: Hearty stew with meat and vegetables, a winter favorite in Andorra la Vella.
  • Coca: Traditional flatbread with toppings, available at festival-adjacent cafes.
  • Vegetarian Options: Salads and grilled vegetables at venue stalls, reflecting Andorra’s culinary adaptability.
• Beverage Highlights:
  • Andorran Wine: Local reds and whites from Casa Auvinyà, served at concert venues.
  • Ratafia: Herbal liqueur, a Pyrenean specialty, at local bars.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Mountain herbal teas or fresh fruit juices at festival cafes.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Barcelona-El Prat (BCN): 200 km, 3 hours by car ($80–$120) or bus ($20–$40, DirectBus/ALSA/Andbus).
  • Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS): 185 km, 3 hours by car ($70–$100) or bus ($15–$35).
• Public Transport:
  • Bus: DirectBus, ALSA, or Andbus from Barcelona/Toulouse to Andorra la Vella Bus Station (3–3.5 hours, $15–$40, book at andbus.net).
  • Local Bus: Andorra la Vella’s L1/L2 lines to Plaça del Poble ($1–$2, 10 minutes).
  • Walking: Venues within 10-minute walk from city center.
• Parking:
  • Limited near Centre de Congressos; use public lots at Prat de la Creu ($5–$10/day).
  • Free street parking outside central zones, but scarce during festival.
• Accessibility:
  • Wheelchair-accessible venues with ramps; email contact@andorrasaxfest.com for arrangements.
  • Visa: Schengen visa required for non-EU visitors; check exteriors.ad.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels:
  • Art Hotel: Official festival hotel, central, $120–$250/night, book via andorrasaxfest.com.
  • Andorra Park Hotel: Modern, near venues, $150–$300/night.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • Hotel Màgic Andorra: Festival-friendly, $80–$150/night, book via festival site.
  • Comtes d’Urgell: Cozy, central, $70–$130/night.
• Budget Options:
  • Hostal Cisco de Sans: Simple, walkable, $40–$80/night.
  • Camping Valira: Budget with cabins, $20–$50/night, 10-minute drive.
• Airbnb and Apartments:
  • Andorra la Vella apartments ($50–$120/night); book early via visitandorra.com.
• Booking Tips:
  • Use festival links for Art Hotel, Màgic, or Comtes d’Urgell discounts.
  • Stay in central Andorra la Vella for walkable access to venues.