Naples has given the world a great deal of music, and in Cristina Galietto it has produced one of its most gifted young guitarists. Born in 2000, she belongs to the newest generation of Italian players — schooled with real rigour, fluent across four centuries of repertoire, and already a winner on the international competition circuit. Her playing has a brightness and clarity that critics have singled out, and a curiosity that ranges from the sixteenth century to the present day.
Taught by her father
Like many musicians whose love of the instrument feels innate, Galietto learned her first notes at home: her father Alberto taught her the guitar before any formal schooling began. At ten she entered the Conservatory "San Pietro a Majella" in Naples — one of Italy's most historic music schools — and she also attended the city's Margherita di Savoia music high school, studying with Enzo Amat. She completed her studies between the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory and the Domenico Cimarosa Conservatory in Avellino, in the class of Lucio Matarazzo, graduating with honours and a special mention.
A serious training
Galietto has not been in a hurry to stop learning. She holds two master's degrees in classical guitar and has pursued a third at the Kunstuniversität Graz (KUG), in the classes of Paolo Pegoraro and Łukasz Kuropaczewski — two of the most respected pedagogues in Europe. It is the kind of deep, sustained education that shows in the poise of her playing.
Prizes across Europe
Her competition record reaches across the continent. Among the victories she values most are the "Alexis Rago" competition in Stuttgart, the "Andrés Segovia" in Monheim am Rhein, the competition in Uppsala, and — a significant one — the EuroStrings competition in 2021 at Petrer, Spain. That same year she was awarded the "Golden Guitar" at the International Guitar Meeting in Milan. EuroStrings, a platform for Europe's most promising young guitarists, has since helped carry her to stages across the continent.
From Dowland to today
What marks Galietto out is the breadth of what she plays, from Renaissance and baroque works — including the Scarlatti sonatas she has been praised for — through the Romantic repertoire to contemporary music. She has given solo concerts in Germany, Serbia, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, the UK (including the prestigious Hall One at Kings Place in London) and Italy. Hers is a career in full ascent, and a name to remember.
FAQ
Where is Cristina Galietto from?
She was born in Naples, Italy, in 2000, and first learned the guitar from her father.
Where did she study?
At the Naples and Avellino conservatories, and at the Kunstuniversität Graz with Paolo Pegoraro and Łukasz Kuropaczewski.
What has she won?
The EuroStrings 2021 competition and the Milan "Golden Guitar," among other international prizes.
