Italy’s Antonio Calogero is a bright light in the new generation of acoustic guitarist/composers.  Drawing on folk, jazz, classical, and international influences, the poetic sensibility of the Mediterranean is always present when this intense and captivating guitarist takes the stage.  Although he composes for both nylon and steel-string guitar, Antonio’s rigorous classical guitar training imbues his passionate performances with insight and precision.

Originally from Messina, Italy, Antonio moved to Rome where he received his degree in classical guitar from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory of Music.  He then began performing in music halls and at festivals in western Europe.  His first recording, Caleidoscopio, was released on the Italian DDD label in 1991.  His second recording, La Rosa del Deserto, was released on the prestigious German label, Acoustic Music Records, in 1996.  It features guest appearances by German guitar virtuoso Peter Finger, and American mandolinist Mike Marshall.

Antonio began performing in the US since 1994, and he eventually relocated to San Francisco, California.  Since then, he has been winning recognition, praise, and a loyal following for his music as a regularly featured guitarist on the International Guitar Night tour, sharing the stage with guitar luminaries such as Ralph Towner, Gerardo Nuñez, Paulo Bellinati, and Alex de Grassi at venues including the Omni Foundation, the California World Music Festival, and Cal State at Northridge.

Antonio has been featured in numerous regional and national publications including Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and his music has been featured on the nationally syndicated radio program Echoes, on NPR, and on West Coast Live.  He has produced fellow guitarist Brian Gore’s Legacy album for Acoustic Music Records and he appears on the IGN Live at Freight and Salvage video.  Antonio has just finished a new recording for guitar, bass, and percussion co-produced by Alex de Grassi.