BIO

Aniello Desiderio is internationally recognized as one of the most extraordinary guitar virtuosos of his generation. Born in Naples, Italy, he gave his first public performance at the age of eight and was immediately hailed by critics as a child prodigy, earning descriptions such as “the Orpheus of the guitar” and “a guitarist of the century.”

Desiderio graduated with honors from the Conservatory of Music in Alessandria and went on to win eighteen first prizes in major national and international competitions, including the International Guitar Competition of Havana, the prestigious Francisco Tárrega Competition in Spain, and the International Guerrero Competition in Madrid.

His international career has taken him across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, performing in many of the world’s leading concert halls including Carnegie Hall, Berlin Philharmonie, Munich Philharmonie, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Vienna’s Konzerthaus, and Istanbul Philharmonie. As soloist, he has collaborated with renowned orchestras and conductors including Vladimir Spivakov and the Moscow Virtuosi, Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, Wiener Kammerorchester, and the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra.

A frequent guest at major international festivals such as Rheingau Musik Festival, Bremen Musikfest, and Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele, Desiderio is equally celebrated for his versatility and collaborations across musical genres. Guitar legend John McLaughlin selected him for the European premiere of his concerto Thieves and Poets, and in 2010 he performed Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto Madrigal alongside legendary guitarist Ángel Romero.

In addition to his solo career, Desiderio founded the ensemble Passione Napoletana with members of his family and other Neapolitan musicians, celebrating the rich musical traditions of Naples. In 2009, he created Quartetto Furioso, an innovative ensemble blending Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Piazzolla’s Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas.

An active recording artist, he has released numerous recordings for international labels including Koch Universal and Termidor. Highly sought after as an educator, Desiderio has taught masterclasses worldwide and currently serves as professor at the University of Music in Avellino, Italy. He is also a D’Addario Artist.