Al Di Meola

Al Di Meola, acoustic guitar; Peo Alfonsi, guitar; Sergio Martinez, drums

Al Di Meola is recognised as one of the greatest guitarists of our time. His enduring fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation combined with provocative lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmonies has characterised his music for almost five decades. He first made a name for himself as a member of the supergroup Return to Forever alongside Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White, which he joined at the young age of 19 between 1974 and 1976, when the fusion jazz ensemble was at its peak. The group reunited in 1983 and again in 2008. In the meantime, he made history as part of the famous acoustic guitar trio with virtuosos John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía, as well as with the trio Rite of Strings alongside bassist Clarke and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty.

His prolific career has earned him critical acclaim, four gold and two platinum albums and over six million records sold worldwide. He has received numerous Grammy nominations and awards as well as other honours such as an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee University of Music, the Miles Davis Award from the Montreal Jazz Festival and the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award. Guitar Player Magazine has included him in its prestigious Gallery of Greats.
His brilliant technique on both acoustic and electric guitar has secured him a royal status among guitarists and a loyal fan base that regularly flocks to his concerts. With his profound compositions, his sense of humour and his innate lyrical guitar expression, he has also won over an audience beyond the circle of guitar enthusiasts.

In Cankarjev dom’s Gallus Hall, he will perform in an acoustic trio with guitarist Peo Alfonsi and drummer Sergio Martinez.