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 Europe.  His first recording, Caleidoscopio, was released on the Italian DDD label.  His second recording, La Rosa del Deserto, was released on the prestigious German label, Acoustic Music Records and it features guest appearances by German guitar virtuoso Peter Finger, and American mandolinist Mike Marshall.  A new recording for guitar and ensemble, Danza Multietnica, co-produced by Alex de Grassi, will be released on Suono Records in May 2009.

Antonio began performing in the US in 1995, 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 solo artist, regularly featured guitarist on the International Guitar Night tours and leader of the Antonio Calogero Ensemble featuring Grammy Nominee Paul McCandless (multi-instrumentalist and composer from the legendary group Oregon), fretless bassist extraordinaire Michael Manring and the eclectic percussionist Brian Rice.  He has shared the stage in the U.S.A. and Canada 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 the Montreal Jazz Festival.

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 fingerstyle guitarist Brian Gore’s Legacy album for Acoustic Music Records and he appears on the IGN Live at Freight and Salvage video.