Manfredonia International Guitar Festival

A festival bringing the guitar to the heart of the Gargano

The Manfredonia International Guitar Festival is one of the most long-standing and beloved musical events in the Gargano area. Every autumn, between late September and October, it turns the city of Manfredonia in the province of Foggia into a crossroads for guitarists from all over the world. The festival is now a traditional and prestigious fixture of the Apulian cultural scene, attracting audiences, enthusiasts, and students from far beyond the region.

The setting of the Church of Santa Chiara

The heart of the festival is the Baroque Church of Santa Chiara, located in the historic center of Manfredonia: a venue with intimate acoustics and an atmosphere perfect for the sound of the classical guitar. In some years, concerts have extended to the Lucio Dalla Municipal Theatre and other city spaces, but the nave of Santa Chiara remains the symbol of the event.

Behind the scenes: the Duo Caputo Pompilio Association

The festival is conceived and directed by the Duo Caputo Pompilio Musical Association, under the artistic direction of internationally renowned guitarist Luciano Pompilio. The association pursues a dual mission: to spread musical culture, particularly the guitar repertoire, and to preserve the memory of the master Giuseppe Caputo, a talented concert performer who passed away prematurely. The Giuseppe Caputo International Classical Guitar Competition is named in his honor and closes the festival each year, featuring young instrumentalists from various countries.

A program that goes beyond classical

While rooted in the great tradition of classical guitar, the program explores a wide range of styles: from guitar orchestras and ensembles to fingerstyle, Andalusian flamenco, and Latin jazz. Recent editions have featured artists such as Dale Kavanagh, Julia Trintschuk, the Di Fulvio Latin Jazz Trio, and various chamber groups, accompanied by masterclasses, luthier exhibitions, and seminars dedicated to historical instruments and 19th-century repertoire.

Manfredonia and its audience

The event is part of the rich cultural offering of Manfredonia and the Gargano district in Puglia, helping to showcase the city's historic center during the autumn season. Admission to the concerts is traditionally free, a choice that makes the festival accessible to families, students, and curious newcomers, as well as dedicated enthusiasts of the instrument.

Good to know

• Main venue: Church of Santa Chiara, historic center of Manfredonia (FG).
• Organization: Duo Caputo Pompilio Musical Association.
• Giuseppe Caputo International Competition reserved for young guitarists.
• Admission to concerts is generally free.