Guitar Prodigy Matteo Mancuso Embarks on First Major US Tour

The 29-year-old Italian fusion guitarist has earned praise from six-string veterans and is set to headline a show at Terminal West in Atlanta.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Matteo Mancuso, a guitar prodigy born in 1996, is set to embark on his first major international tour with over 30 concerts across the United States and Canada in 2025. Mancuso, who began studying classical guitar at a young age thanks to his father Vincenzo, has already gained a large international following, with nearly 300,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. He has received praise and recognition from renowned guitarists such as Steve Vai, Al di Meola, Joe Bonamassa, and Eric Johnson.

Why it matters

Mancuso's rise to prominence as a young, technically skilled fusion guitarist highlights the continued interest and appreciation for virtuosic guitar playing, especially among younger audiences. His ability to blend jazz, Latin, and world music influences into his compositions has drawn comparisons to guitar legends like Al Di Meola, further solidifying his status as a prodigy to watch in the guitar world.

The details

Mancuso's musical journey began at a young age when he enrolled in a musical high school and deepened his studies in classical guitar. In 2019, he began collaborating with Yamaha Guitars, participating in events like the NAMM Show in Los Angeles and the Young Guitar Festival in Bangkok. In 2020, Mancuso formed a new trio with Stefano India on bass and Giuseppe Bruno on drums, and started presenting his own original compositions, marking the beginning of his intense live activity in Italy and Europe. His debut solo album, 'The Journey,' was released in 2023 and showcases his diverse musical talents. Mancuso's upcoming tour will feature a new lineup with Riccardo Oliva on bass and Gianluca Pellerito on drums.

  • Mancuso's debut solo album, 'The Journey,' was released on July 21, 2023.
  • Mancuso will embark on his first major international tour with over 30 concerts in the main cities of the United States and Canada in 2025.

The players

Matteo Mancuso

A guitar prodigy born in 1996 who has gained international recognition for his technical dexterity and fusion of jazz, Latin, and world music influences.

Vincenzo Mancuso

Matteo Mancuso's father, who introduced him to the world of music at a young age.

Stefano India

The bassist in Mancuso's current trio.

Giuseppe Bruno

The drummer in Mancuso's current trio.

Riccardo Oliva

The bassist in Mancuso's new lineup for his upcoming tour.

Gianluca Pellerito

The drummer in Mancuso's new lineup for his upcoming tour.

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What they’re saying

“This young fusion guitarist has already earned enthusiastic praise from six-string veterans such as Al DiMeola, Steve Vai and Joe Bonamassa for his technical dexterity and sheer musicality in electric and acoustic performances.”

— Hal Horowitz, Critic (Creative Loafing)

What’s next

Mancuso's upcoming tour will feature a new lineup and continue throughout 2024 with more than 50 concerts between the USA and Europe, leading up to his first major international tour in 2025 with over 30 concerts in the main cities of the United States and Canada.

The takeaway

Matteo Mancuso's rise as a young, technically skilled fusion guitarist highlights the continued appreciation for virtuosic guitar playing, especially among younger audiences. His ability to blend diverse musical influences and earn praise from guitar legends has positioned him as a prodigy to watch in the guitar world.