Sweet Guitar is a musical journey that travels through centuries and across global music traditions. From the Romantic era to the 20th century, it highlights the guitar’s versatility and brilliance. Classical guitar enthusiasts will get to hear works by masters like Manuel María Ponce, Francisco Tárrega, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Giulio Regondi, and Agustín Barrios.

Program

• Manuel María Ponce – Variations on the Theme of Cabeson: Combines Mexican folk melodies with classical elements, composed shortly before Ponce’s death in 1948.
• Francisco Tárrega – Fantasia on La Traviata: Pays homage to Verdi’s opera, blending Spanish folk traditions with classical style.
• Francisco Tárrega – Recuerdos de la Alhambra: A classic piece renowned in the classical guitar repertoire.
• Heitor Villa-Lobos – Brazilian Popular Suite: Fuses European classical dance forms with Brazilian choro music.
• Giulio Regondi – Introduction and Caprice: Romantic-era guitar music inspired by Mendelssohn.
• Agustín Barrios – Choro de los Recuerdos: Combines South American choro with European Romantic influences.
• Agustín Barrios – La Catedral: Barrios’ masterpiece of Romantic tremolo technique, spiritually evocative.

Performer

Gian Marco Ciampa (Guitar)

Born in 1990, Gian Marco studied under Arturo Tallini and Bruno Battisti D’Amario, graduating with top honors from Rome’s Santa Cecilia Conservatory. He has performed worldwide and won over 40 international awards, including the Melbourne International Guitar Competition, Tokyo International Guitar Competition, and the Golden Guitar at the European Guitar Competition. He teaches at the Conservatory Giuseppe Martucci in Salerno, Italy, and regularly gives masterclasses globally. Gian Marco is active in chamber music, performing with cellist Erica Piccotti and flutist Bianca Fiorito. In 2020, he joined the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino as guitarist.