Pino Forastiere

The music of Italian guitarist Pino Forastiere comes from a solid classical, contemporary, and rock background that is hard to define.  He employs a dazzling blend of slapping, tapping, strumming, altered tunings, and harmonics combined with classical phrasing and a focus on distinct melodies.  His music is “something like a mix of Steve Reich’s interlocking rhythmic patterns meet Michael Hedges’s techniques, all while admiring Eddie van Halen” (John Schaefer, WNYC Radio).

Born in Latronico, Southern Italy, Pino moved with his family to Rome in his early childhood. In 1992, he graduated from Santa Cecilia Conservatory with a degree in classical guitar, taking his final exam with a ten-string classical guitar.  In the following years, he used this ten-string guitar in live performances with original repertoire.  In 1996, he made the transition to a six-string acoustic guitar.  He has studied composition and chamber music, performed in various ensembles with classical or original repertoire, and collaborated with jazz, experimental, electronic, and pop projects.  Now living in Rome, Pino performs at festivals and venues across Italy, the US, and Canada.