October 30: Antonio Forcione
Calstock Arts are thrilled to welcome back Antonio Forcione, internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer.
He is recognised as one of the most distinctive and innovative voices in contemporary acoustic music. Celebrated for expanding the expressive possibilities of the acoustic guitar, he has developed a unique musical language that bridges Mediterranean lyricism with African, Brazilian, jazz and classical influences.
Described by The Guardian as “one of the great acoustic guitarists,” and praised by Paul McCartney for his “beautiful touch,” Forcione combines dazzling virtuosity with deep emotional expression and an unmistakable stage presence.
Over a career spanning decades, he has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, Glastonbury Festival, WOMAD, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Hong Kong Arts Festival.
Antonio has shared the stage and collaborated with internationally renowned artists including Phil Collins, Bobby McFerrin, Charlie Haden, Diego El Cigala, Angélique Kidjo, Trilok Gurtu, Martin Taylor, Dominic De Piazza and Dominic Miller among many others.
Alongside his acclaimed solo career, he has created a wide range of original projects including the Antonio Forcione Quartet, Acoustic Mania, AKAtrio with Seckou Keita and Adriano Adewale, collaborations with Sarah Jane Morris and Giorgio Serci, and most recently Storytellers with Turkish guitarist Cenk Erdoğan.
Beyond the concert stage, Forcione has actively supported humanitarian and cultural initiatives, collaborating with organisations including Amnesty International, and contributing to music education projects in Rwanda through Amata Africa.
Renowned for performances that move effortlessly between intimate lyricism, rhythmic fire and spontaneous improvisation, Antonio Forcione continues to captivate audiences worldwide with music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Listen to Antonio here
