Nicola and Vincenzo De Bonis Festival

From 17 to 20 October 2025, the Shrine of Sant'Umile in Bisignano will host the Nicola and Vincenzo De Bonis Festival, an event dedicated to classical guitar, stringed instrument making and Calabrian musical tradition. Promoted by the Calabrian Flute Players Association under the artistic direction of Antonella Baffa Scirocco, the festival offers a rich programme of concerts, competitions, masterclasses, recitals and an exhibition of stringed instruments, designed for enthusiasts, young musicians and curious visitors.

The inauguration is scheduled for Friday 17 October at 8 pm with a concert by Maestro Luigi Attademo, an internationally renowned performer, who will take the audience on a musical journey through the different eras of classical guitar.

On Saturday 18 October at 7 pm, the Duo De Bonis, with Yuri Crusco and Giuseppe Mangia, will perform a repertoire played on instruments made by the De Bonis masters. The evening will also include the presentation of the book I fratelli Nicola e Vincenzo De Bonis (The Brothers Nicola and Vincenzo De Bonis), dedicated to the history and work of the two luthiers from Bisignano.

On Sunday 19 October at 8 pm, the final concert of the De Bonis International Competition will be held, with performances by the winners of the youth and concert categories, showcasing new talents in classical guitar.

The final day, Monday 20 October, will be dedicated to training with masterclasses by masters Luigi Attademo and Lucio Matarazzo, accompanied by a recital by young guitarists Eleonora Parisi and Beatrice De Loria from the 'Stanislao Giacomantonio' Conservatory in Cosenza.

Throughout the festival, there will be an exhibition of stringed instruments curated by Maestro Antonio Scaglione, a pupil of Vincenzo De Bonis, featuring historical and contemporary instruments made according to the family's traditional craftsmanship.