Italian musician and composer Giulio Castrica is launching a brand-new artistic chapter, shifting from classical guitar traditions into the realm of a singer-songwriter with an intimate unplugged presentation in Umbria. The opening public showcase takes place at Galleria Pennone in Lugnano in Teverina, where Castrica is performing stripped-down renditions of his published works released through Ars Spoletium, including “Primo Capitolo,” “MIA (La canzone degli ex),” and “1000 parole rubate.”
More than just a musical performance, the evening bridges artistic expression with social solidarity. Organizers have structured the event around both music and community support, highlighting the charitable “Ukulele del Sorriso” initiative. The launch event in Lugnano in Teverina marks the beginning of a cultural tour across historical and scenic towns throughout Umbria, bringing together local institutions, regional associations, and guest musicians.
From Classical Roots to Contemporary Songwriting
Castrica built his initial reputation as a classical guitarist under the mentorship of Emanuele Segre, establishing an active concert career across Italy, Germany, and Spain. Over the years, his repertoire ranged from solo performances of compositions by Bach, Sor, Giuliani, Villa-Lobos, Rodrigo, and Petrassi to dedicated chamber music collaborations. In addition to performing, Castrica maintained an active profile in music education and cultural project design.
This classical foundation heavily influences his contemporary songwriting. His recent discography features “Primo Capitolo”—with lyrics written by Emanuele Stracchi—followed by “MIA (La canzone degli ex)” and “1000 parole rubate,” a track written and composed entirely by Castrica. “1000 parole rubate” blends a rock ballad structure with elements of blues, jazz, and classical music traditions. The arrangement incorporates everyday soundscapes, such as a car horn and a telephone ring, serving as an explicit nod to the cinematic composition style of Ennio Morricone.
Collaborative Band and Visual Storytelling
For his broader musical projects, Castrica performs alongside an ensemble of instrumentalists. The backing band features Massimo Manzi on drums, Emanuele Di Teodoro on bass, Cesare Tiroli on piano and keyboards, and Giulio Pocecco on electric guitar. Manzi brings international jazz experience to the lineup, while Stracchi—who serves as a conservatory professor at Santa Cecilia—handles keyboard arrangements.
The artistic scope extends beyond pure audio recordings into visual storytelling. Smokie Art contributed original comic illustrations to accompany “MIA (La canzone degli ex),” while Filippo Bertoni managed the graphic design elements. These visual accompaniments create a cohesive narrative world for the listener, blending illustration with musical themes.
Music Meets Solidarity: Ukulele del Sorriso
A core element of the Lugnano in Teverina event is the presentation of the “Ukulele del Sorriso” project, conceived by Gabriele Sagone. Sagone established the initiative following a personal hospital stay, aiming to utilize professional music therapy and live music performances within pediatric hospital wards across Italy.
The project features a handcrafted ukulele destined for a charitable auction, bearing signatures from international artists and cultural figures, including Jacob Collier, Mogol, Riccardo Muti, Daniel Ho, and Sting. The initiative gained international visibility following its presentation at the 18th World Congress of Music Therapy – Connecting Borders held in Bologna in July 2026. During the Lugnano event, Mara Quadraccia is scheduled to read a congratulatory letter addressed to the project from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Regional Support and Upcoming Tour Dates
The local presentation is supported by the Municipality of Lugnano in Teverina, the Association of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages in Umbria, and local branches of the University of the Third Age (UniTre) in Amelia and Lugnano. Alessandro Dimiziani, mayor of Lugnano in Teverina and president of the association’s regional chapter, is slated to speak during the evening.
Following the opening showcase, Castrica’s schedule includes several stops across Umbria:
- September 6, 2026: Casa Menotti, Spoleto
- September 24, 2026: Libreria Ubik, Todi
- November 8, 2026: Teatro della Concordia, Monte Castello di Vibio
The November concert at Teatro della Concordia will feature Castrica performing alongside his full band, with an opening performance by Duo Marea—comprising Gabriele Sagone and Roberto Belpanno—representing the “Ukulele del Sorriso” initiative. Ticket presale information for the Monte Castello di Vibio performance will be released soon.
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