WHO'S WHO

 

Paolo Devecchi   Salvatore Seminara
Paolo
Paolo Devecchi is an Italian guitarist and composer with a rich and diverse musical background. The wide inspiration of his musical language is the result of an original quest which leads his music to explore new territories and sonorities in addition to the classical guitar repertoire. For his own instrument, he has written several works (originals and arrangements) which, while firmly anchored to the classical tradition, do not fail to refer to different genres (mainly to the jazz idiom, but also to folk and contemporary classical music). His works include solos, duos, trios, quartets, quintets and music with voice and guitar, arrangements of Antonio Vivaldi, Béla Bartók, Astor Piazzolla and Miles Davis, and innovative excursions into his own original repertoire. Paolo Devecchi completed his musical studies under Ruggero Chiesa at the Milan Conservatory, where he also attended the composition course. He performed in many masterclasses given by worldwide famous musicians such Julian Bream, Oscar Ghiglia, Sharon Isbin and David Russell. He is also a graduate of the University of Turin (Literature/Musicology) with a thesis entitled «La rivista “il Fronimo” di Ruggero Chiesa (1972-1993): l’uomo e il suo “dialogo”. Sguardo sull’opera pubblicistica di un maestro della chitarra del Novecento». In 1993, he was chosen as “guitar extra” for the stage and the orchestra of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. He has collaborated with the RAI Symphony Orchestra (Milan), the RAI National Symphony Orchestra and the Teatro Regio (Turin), and the Teatro Carlo Felice (Genoa). In 2009, for the re-opening of the Teatro Carignano in Turin, he played the role of Teleghin in the Anton Čechov’s play “Uncle Vanya” directed by Gabriele Vacis, one of the most outstanding Italian drama directors; in this role he played on stage his own arrangements and original compositions, which were inspired by Russian musical tradition, receiving very good reviews from audiences and critics. The German magazine “Akustik Gitarre” dedicated a lengthy article to him, and also included, an excerpt of his solo guitar work “Different Latitudes” in a special issue anthology CD of various artists. He has given recitals as a soloist, as well in duo with the jazz double bass player Dino Contenti. Since 1996 he plays in duo with Salvatore Seminara (Devecchi-Seminara Guitar Duo) at prestigious international music festivals in Argentina, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Albania, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain and Swizerland. In 2014 have been released the CD “Phares” featuring pieces composed and played by the duo; its title track “Phares”, a suite consisting of four movements dedicated to the lighthouses of Brittany, as well to Claude Debussy and Jules Verne, was commissioned by the German Guitar Duo Gruber & Maklar. Some of his works are published by Les Productions d'Oz (Canada) and Chanterelle im Allegra Musikverlag (Germany). He plays a guitar made by the Italian guitar maker Luigi Muscettola.		   Salvo
Salvatore Seminara is a guitarist involved in multifarious musical activities as a concert performer, composer, teacher, and organizer of musical events. His intense artistic activity take him to perform regularly in prestigious international music festivals in Italy, Albania, Argentine, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom; from Paris to Buenos Aires and London to Jerusalem, his performances are always well received by audiences and critics. He also has given master classes, and has been a member of juries in international guitar competitions. His musical expertise has matured through the solo repertoire and participation in a number of chamber ensembles. As well as performing with diverse guitar ensembles, Seminara has performed in duo with other instruments (violin, cello and flute) and in diverse string quartets, included the String Quartet of the RAI National Symphony Orchestra. He has worked with different Italian orchestras on numerous occasions including radio and television broadcasts: RAI National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Giovanile Italiana, I Pomeriggi Musicali Orchestra, Haydn Orchestra of Bolzano and Trento. More especially, he currently appears in duo with Paolo Devecchi performing an original repertoire composed by the two guitarists as well as member of GOST, a trio of flute, clarinet, and guitar characterised by the original pieces and arrangements written specifically by Seminara for this unusual chamber ensemble and as member of the QUARTETTO SE.GO.VI.O., a project around latinoamerican music. With each these projects Seminara has registered a cd. A tireless promoter of musical activities, he is founder and artistic director of the Ossola Guitar Festival, who arrived in 2016 at the XX edition. Salvatore Seminara completed his musical studies under Ruggero Chiesa and Paolo Cherici at the Milan Conservatory where he studied also composition. David Russell and Alirio Diaz also contributed to his formation. Seminara’s concert activity began during his years at the Conservatory, a period in which he won numerous national and international competitions and scholarships. As composer his works are published by Edition DUX (Germany) and Les Productions d'Oz (Canada).