From Sicily to the world: virtuosity, heart and endless creativity

A young Sicilian musician left his homeland for America 40 years ago to “play with the greatest guitarists”. Today, Peppino D’Agostino himself is one of them. Since the early 1980s, he has been shaping the second wave of finger-stylists who redefined the acoustic guitar. Open moods, percussive elements and an unmistakably melodic signature form his style – complemented by warmth, humor and a broad musical horizon, which he calls “Minestrone music”. His virtuosity and emotional intensity continue to inspire a young generation of guitarists today.

In 2007 he won the biggest competition for fingerstyle guitar in Europe “Open Strings”, followed by a “European Guitar Award” in 2009.

Peppino has toured more than 30 countries, played at major festivals and in important venues and performed on stage with personalities such as Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke and Eric Johnson. His albums have been released on internationally renowned labels and the trade press has hailed him as a “guitarist’s guitarist” and a “giant of the acoustic guitar”. As a member of the Pacific Guitar Ensemble, he has worked with outstanding classical, rock and crossover musicians; his song “Stammi Vicino” reached number one in the Italian iTunes rock charts.

He moves effortlessly between classical guitar and rock – a missing link between the two worlds. He recently toured successfully in China and composed music for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. His work also includes film music and soundtracks for international games. He also gives guitar workshops, master classes and seminars worldwide.

Peppino compares his art to Italian cooking: Mixing ingredients, sensing nuances, finding balance. This results in live programs that are constantly changing – full of energy, lyrical passages and new musical paths that he opens up again and again with his signature guitar. No two concerts are the same, but one thing remains certain: Peppino surprises and delights every time.

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