The Souls of the Guitar
International festival and masterclass for classical guitar in the medieval village of Castell'Arquato
About The Souls of the Guitar
A festival in the heart of Val d'Arda
Le Anime della Chitarra is the summer event dedicated to classical guitar that enlivens Castell'Arquato, one of the most evocative villages in Emilia-Romagna, perched on the hills of Val d'Arda in the province of Piacenza. For five days, the renowned Palazzo del Podestà and other historic buildings in the center host musicians, teachers, and enthusiasts from all over Europe, in a continuous dialogue between high-level teaching and concerts open to everyone.
Masterclass and advanced training
The heart of the event is the international masterclass, aimed at guitarists who wish to perfect their skills with some of the most authoritative names in guitar performance and teaching. The lessons are held in the halls of the Palazzo del Podestà and culminate in student concerts, moments when participants showcase their work to the public during the week.
Concerts, conferences, and luthiery
Alongside teaching, the festival offers a rich evening program: recitals by international artists, thematic conferences on the repertoire and history of the instrument, and meetings with master luthiers. The luthiery exhibition, with live demonstrations and round tables among builders, is one of the most beloved events, as it presents the guitar not only as music but also as an object of art and craftsmanship.
A village that becomes a stage
The strength of Le Anime della Chitarra lies in its setting: the notes resonate within the medieval walls of Castell'Arquato, between the Collegiata, the Rocca Viscontea, and the stone alleys overlooking the valley. Promoted by the Union of Mountain Municipalities of Alta Val d'Arda and supported by the territory, the festival is also an opportunity to discover a corner of Emilia-Romagna rich in history, wine, and gastronomy.
- International classical guitar masterclass
- Evening concerts by internationally renowned artists
- Conferences and meetings on the guitar repertoire
- Lutery exhibition with master builders
- Final concerts by students with free admission
The Souls of the Guitar — edition 2026
From July 15 to 19, 2026, Castell'Arquato hosts a new edition of Le Anime della Chitarra, with the international classical guitar masterclass at the Palazzo del Podestà and evening concerts open to the public. The program alternates recitals by international artists, conferences, the event dedicated to luthiery, and the final student concerts, in a week that transforms the medieval village of Val d'Arda into a widespread stage dedicated to the guitar.
Programme The Souls of the Guitar 2026
Wednesday, July 15
- 9:00 PM — Concert by Elisa La Marca (lute), in the village of Castell'Arquato — admission €10
Friday, July 17
- 9:00 PM — Concert by Mateusz Kowalski, winner of the European Bach Guitar Award 2025 — admission €10
Saturday, July 18
- 6:00 PM — Concert by masterclass students — free admission
Sunday, July 19
- 3:00 PM — Round table and luthiery exhibition with master luthiers Umberto Cevoli, Ennio Giovannetti, and Gabriele Lodi, with instrument demonstrations — free admission
- 6:30 PM — Final concert by students — free admission
Masterclass lessons take place at the Palazzo del Podestà throughout the festival days. The program may be supplemented with further events announced by the organization.
Highlights The Souls of the Guitar 2026
Prices The Souls of the Guitar 2026
Practical information — The Souls of the Guitar
How to get there
Castell'Arquato is located in the province of Piacenza, in the hills of Val d'Arda. By car, take the Fiorenzuola d'Arda (A1) motorway exit and then the provincial road towards Val d'Arda. By train, get off at Fiorenzuola d'Arda station on the Milan-Bologna line, with bus connections to the village.
Tickets
Evening concerts have a fee (generally between 5 and 10 euros), while conferences, the luthiery exhibition, and student concerts are free. For information and masterclass registration: [email protected] or tel. +39 328 428 3641 / +39 338 607 8817.
Tips
The village is small and the concert venues are within walking distance. A visit to the Collegiata and the Rocca Viscontea is recommended, as is a stop at the wineries of Val d'Arda.
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Where does it take place — The Souls of the Guitar
Palazzo del Podestà
Palazzo del Podestà, Piazza del Municipio, 29014 Castell'Arquato