ONE of the world’s best classical guitarists is performing for the Ealing Guitar Society next weekend.
The Italian virtuoso guitarist Antonio De Innocentis is playing a stunning and varied programme of classical guitar music ranging from Scarlatti sonatas to Scott Joplin ragtime.
During a previous UK tour, De Innocentis performed at the Ealing Guitar Society and the Bolivar Hall, London in a concert to celebrate the 80th birthday of UK composer John Duarte. He was also the first-ever classical guitarist to have performed the entire 24 Caprices by Paganini in one single concert.
Born in Naples, Antonio De Innocentis, 51, has arranged, performed and made recordings in Europe and the USA, solo and with orchestra in public concerts, on radio and television. He has built up a remarkable reputation. An indication of his diversity includes arrangements for guitar of Scottish traditional music. He also performs voice-and-guitar, including songs from Gershwin, with his daughter Fiammetta.
Plaudits from composers and performers describe De Innocentis as 'a truly great virtuoso' and praise his 'stimulating and original interpretations.' A dozen acknowledged composers for guitar, from several continents, have written new works which he has premiered.
Local guitar teacher and friend Stephen Dell said: “Antonio’s command of a broad repertoire has drawn accolades from his international concert tours. That range is from the baroque through to the technical and emotional surprises of twentieth century music.
“Whether he plays Scarlatti or Scott Joplin, he manages to enter the very essence of a composition interpreting each piece – as an international critic has said and I have to agree – ‘with passion, unrivalled technique and great musicality. As an American composer-guitarist has said ‘Antonio is a player with power, depth and musical perceptiveness that few guitarists today possess’.”
The concert will be held at St Mathews Church Hall, North Common Road, Ealing on July 1 at 7.30pm. Tickets at the door cost £10 / £7 concessions or you can ring to book on reserve on: 07737 589 580.
