Founded in 1967, the prestigious Certamen Internacional Francisco Tárrega is one of the most important annual guitar competitions in the world. It is held in the Spanish city of Benicásim, Castellón, near Valencia, the region of the birthplace of the noted guitarist and composer Francisco Tárrega. Many of its winners have gone on to enjoy successful international careers. Winner of numerous competitions, Ricardo Gallén was the competition’s First Prize winner in 1999.