Valle d'Itria Guitar Festival

A festival dedicated to the guitar in the heart of the Valle d'Itria

The Valle d'Itria Guitar Festival is an event entirely dedicated to classical guitar, held annually in early September in the charming villages of the famous Valle d'Itria, in the province of Taranto, Apulia. Based in Martina Franca, the festival is organized by the ArtCore APS association and also involves the towns of Locorotondo and Cisternino, bringing world-class music to some of the most evocative settings in the region.

Four pillars of the festival

The festival is structured around several key components, making it a multidisciplinary event designed for both the general public and music specialists:

• Evening concerts and recitals featuring Italian and international guitarists, hosted in historic palaces, churches, and auditoriums throughout the Valle d'Itria;
• Intensive masterclasses in guitar and chamber music, including individual lessons, group sessions, and mentoring with world-renowned guest professors;
• International competition for young performers, with live semi-finals and finals judged by an international jury;
• Luthier exhibition, featuring handcrafted instruments, guided testing sessions, and meetings with master luthiers.

Festival venues

The performances take place in locations steeped in history and charm: in Martina Franca, the "Isidoro Chirulli" Municipal Library inside the Palazzo Ducale and the Paolo Grassi Foundation Auditorium; in Locorotondo, the churches of the historic center, including the Rectory of San Rocco; and in Cisternino, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli. The landscape of trulli and whitewashed villages provides the perfect backdrop for an experience that blends music, heritage, and local culture.

A benchmark for young guitarists

Through its masterclasses and international competition, the Valle d'Itria Guitar Festival attracts students, enthusiasts, and professionals from Italian and European conservatories every year. The festival has established itself as a valuable opportunity for training and professional exchange for the new generation of performers, while offering the Valle d'Itria audience high-level classical guitar concerts.