Just over a week ago, I embarked on an unforgettable musical journey through the enchanting region of southern Sicily. From the historic beauty of Syracuse to the warm, inviting towns of Avola and Portopalo, this tour was an adventure of a lifetime. I’m thrilled to share my experiences from this incredible tour, which included three concerts and a masterclass, each brimming with its own unique charm and challenges.

Avola: The Beginning of a Memorable Tour

The tour kicked off with a solo concert on Saturday, August 24, as part of the Claudio Monteverdi Accademia Musicale 10th Guitar Summer Festival. Performing just over 24 hours after my arrival was a whirlwind experience, but the opportunity to play at Sala Frantantonio in Avola was worth every bit of jet lag. The concert was a success, and at the end of the evening, I was honored to be made an honorary member of the Claudio Monteverdi Accademia Musicale. My heartfelt thanks go to Maurizio Agrò, Paola Caldarella, and Turi Calvo for their invaluable help and support in making this event a reality.

Syracuse: A Night Under the Stars

The following day, Sunday, August 25, I had the privilege of performing at the Chriostro Die Cappuccini in Syracuse. This lovely outdoor courtyard, with its surprisingly good acoustics, was a perfect setting for an evening concert. Despite a few mishaps—including the heat causing my artificial nails to fall off and an unexpected encounter with Vaseline on my guitar strings—this performance was an exhilarating experiences. The enthusiastic audience was kind enough to request four encores, which was a testament to the vibrant energy of the night. I’m grateful to Luca Ambrosio, President of the Orchestra Barocca Siciliana, for hosting me, and to Nello Alessi for connecting me with Luca.

A Masterclass in Siracusa: Nurturing Future Talents

On Monday, August 26, I had the joy of presenting a masterclass in Syracuse in association with the Accademia Chitarristica Siciliana and the Claudio Monteverdi Accademia Musicale 10th Guitar Summer Festival. Teaching six talented students, who performed works by J.S. Bach, Villa-Lobos, Fernando Sor, and Joaquin Rodrigo, was a rewarding experience. Seeing such dedication and skill from young players was truly inspiring and reminded me of why I love teaching and sharing my passion for music.

Portopalo: A Serene Finale

The tour concluded with a solo concert on Friday, August 30, also in association with the Claudio Monteverdi Accademia Musicale 10th Guitar Summer Festival. This final performance took place at the Oasi di San Corrado a mare in Portopalo, set against a stunning natural backdrop with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The intimate, serene setting was the perfect way to end the tour. The audience’s warmth and the opportunity to converse with them afterwards made the evening even more special. A big thank you to Maurizio Agrò for organizing these memorable events.

A Special Stay in Syracuse

During my stay in Syracuse, from August 23 to September 1, I had the pleasure of lodging at Apartment Casa Francesca. Francesca was a wonderful host, and her daughter, an exceptionally talented young classical guitarist, made my stay even more memorable. If you ever find yourself in Syracuse, I highly recommend staying at Apartment Casa Francesca.

This tour through southern Sicily was a blend of incredible music, unexpected challenges, and unforgettable experiences. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this journey so special and look forward to sharing more musical adventures with you in the future.

Arrivederci, and until next time!

— Luther Enloe