ITALIAN
«Appreciated for their brilliant technique, the quality of their sound, the passion, and the elegance of their interpretive choices, the Imbesi Zangarà duo, both a couple in art and in life, is considered by critics and audiences as one of the most interesting chamber guitar ensembles..» October 2019 | M.Today
It was December 12, 2010, when we met for the first time at the Conservatory, two students, both assistants to the Guitar chair. The director invited us to give a concert ten days later. Playing together was very easy and natural for us; we were amazed by this.
So on December 22, our guitars took the stage together for the first time, and from that moment on, we never stopped. Degrees, Master Classes, Master’s Degrees, Awards, Teaching. Always together.
Victories and failures, good and bad experiences: the latter necessary and vital, never frightened us. Together we have never been afraid to fall. Today, we are a family.”
Carmelo and Carmen first met musically in 2010.
Wishing to deepen their exploration of the original repertoire and the technical–performative aspects of the chamber duo formation, they entrusted their advanced training to Maestros Giovanni Puddu and Giampaolo Bandini. With them, they embarked on an in-depth journey of artistic growth aimed at strengthening the stylistic–performative unity and the aesthetic–interpretative coherence that, to this day, define their performances and their identity as interpreters.
They have attended masterclasses and educational seminars with Maestros Angelo Gilardino, Giulio Tampalini, Eduardo Isaac, and David Murgadas […]. In the jazz and fingerstyle field: Francesco Angiuli, Massimo Varini, and Luca Colombo.
Today, they appear at festivals, concert seasons, and cultural events in Italy, Europe, and Asia, and are acclaimed for their captivating sound, the elegance of their interpretative choices, and the passion of their performances. They are also exclusive artists for Billionaire Events.
They collaborate in opera productions (I Pagliacci by R. Leoncavallo, Misa Criolla by A. Ramirez) and theatrical performances, both as performers and as authors and performers of incidental music — in 2015 for the monologue Novecento based on the text by A. Baricco, directed by Ivan Bertolami; in 2018 for Jonathan Livingston Seagull based on the work by R. Bach, directed by Giuseppe Spicuglia; since 2012, they have arranged the tribute show to Giorgio Gaber Me & Mr. G – Non è il Classico Gaber, featured at the 2014 Festival Gaber; in 2017 for Canto Mediterraneo by Mario Incudine. Their work spans styles such as jazz and world music, collaborating with artists including Peppe Servillo, Mario Incudine, Coro Lirico Siciliano, Orchestra a Plettro Città di Palermo, Coro Overture, Antonio Vasta […].
In 2024, they produced the show Sulle note della Bellezza, a reading dedicated to the aesthetic experience, combining music, poetry, philosophy, and art, centered on the themes of beauty and the sublime, for which they curated the direction, libretto, and music.
Their passion for their instrument also leads them to expand the chamber duo repertoire through transcriptions and revisions of many works not originally conceived for this formation. Their compositions, arrangements, Urtext editions, and methods are published by Da Vinci Edition, JK Mertz Edition, Bergmann Edition and Salabert Edition. They are also editors of critical editions for Edizioni Suvini Zerboni – Sugar Music and Volontè & Co. In 2022, they prepared the critical edition of the manuscript Rondo von Paganini, the earliest known historical arrangement of music by Niccolò Paganini for two guitars, discovered in the Rischel & Birket-Smith Collection of the Royal Library of Denmark in Copenhagen. In 2023, they published the critical edition of Gran Duo Concertant pour deux Lyres ou deux Guitares by Federico Moretti, based on the work’s original manuscript.
Several composers — including M. Alexander, C.F. Defranceschi, R. Iervolino […] — have dedicated new guitar works to the duo, premiering them in world-first performances.
In 2017, for the Wambooka Srl brand, they founded the Zarim Chamber Trio with percussionist Giorgio Rizzo — a crossover project that incorporates Middle Eastern percussion into the realm of classical music.
They are winners of numerous music competitions, both as soloists and as a duo, including the Ibla Grand Prize (2018).
In 2018, they received the prestigious Gattopardo Ibleo award, dedicated to Sicilian personalities who have distinguished themselves for their talent (Albo d’Oro 2018). In 2019, they were awarded the Grotta di Polifemo prize at the Milazzo International Film Festival in the Music category (Albo d’Oro 2019).
We are a family, and Music is our Home.
It’s an idea of dialogue and continuous interaction between us and our guitars.
Two instruments that describe moods and soundscapes, which come together to seek a common identity and move apart to shed light on their own.
An interpretation that knows the historical practice of execution but distances itself to offer a current vision of the classical language, with a sound idea linked to the present but capable of evoking the past.
Classical Music is a language useful to the performer to tell who they are and what they feel when playing a work.
We don’t share the idea of being servants of Music: playing while limiting oneself means killing one’s sensitivity and identity. And respecting the identity of an artist is an extremely important value for us.
We play because Music completes us, makes us feel good, and allows us to talk about ourselves.
In 2020, they set to music the verses of Rai journalist Adriana Pannitteri in collaboration with Okmond Publishing and, at the invitation of the Municipality of Palazzo Adriano — the town that became the set of Giuseppe Tornatore’s Nuovo Cinema Paradiso in the 1980s — they starred in four celebratory video clips marking the 30th anniversary of the Academy Award, dedicated to the memory of Ennio Morricone. In these videos, they performed a suite based on the film’s soundtrack, transcribed for two guitars, filmed in the same locations featured in the movie.
They are recording artists for the labels Classical Music 3.0, Stradivarius Naxos Records and Inri Classic. Alongside monographs focused on the guitar duo repertoire, their discography also seeks to highlight rare and previously unpublished works for this formation. Their releases include: Hermann Ambrosius – Complete Music for Two Guitars and Concerto, Francesco da Milano – Complete Duets, Noir Love: Takemitsu for Guitar Duo, Nuovo Cinema Paradiso EP, Storie Dipinte: Improvvisi per due Chitarre (original music), Gismonti Duets, Tocando en Dos (music by Tárrega, Aguado, Arcas), Six Musical Colors Live (music by Dowland, Mertz, Albéniz, Giuliani, Brouwer), Emilio Pujol Guitar Duets, Towner, and the singles Pomelie – Miniatura per due Chitarre and Mi Virgen de Guadalupe (a tribute to the miraculous Mexican Virgin). These last two works were dedicated to the duo by composer Carlo F. Defranceschi, with Mi Virgen de Guadalupe also featuring Carmen as vocalist.
Since 2021, they have been part of the roster of Metatrongroup Management for the label INRI CLASSIC, as authors of original music, debuting in January 2022 with the single Rainy Sunset Memories from a Picture, inspired by Sicilian and Calabrian sunsets. In June 2022, they released Tears of War, inspired by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, distributed by Universal Music Group Italia, which earned them a letter of recognition from Pope Francis. In October 2023, they released their third single, Whispers, dedicated to inner dialogues. The official music videos are distributed by the Omni Foundation for Performing Arts in San Francisco.
Both have been teaching at various Italian conservatories since 2010 (Teramo, Matera, Catanzaro, Foggia, Trapani, Vibo Valentia), and are currently professors at the “D. Cimarosa” Conservatory of Avellino and the “V. Bellini” Conservatory of Caltanissetta.
Their passion for teaching has led them to enrich their skills through the study of neuroscience. They are certified life coaches specializing in coaching for musicians, accredited by Richard Bandler’s NLP Society of the USA.
They have collaborated with posturologists, specialized centers (IPS in Naples – Centro Fisiotrainer), and posture-wellness experts on issues related to musicians’ pathologies, through the initiative I Musicisti, la Postura e la Musica del Corpo.
In 2019, they became endorsers of the Myo-Glove therapeutic myofascial glove for musicians, produced by Wambooka Srl.
Invited to international campuses, masterclasses, and advanced courses, they address — in addition to repertoire development and technical-mechanical enhancement — topics such as teaching methodology, posture and biomechanics, entertainment law and management, and performance preparation.
As artistic directors of festivals (Classicamente 2011–2017, Campus Internazionale Musicart, …) and educational institutions, in 2013 they founded the J.K. Mertz Guitar Academy in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto (ME), a center for teaching, research, and cultural promotion.
In 2019, the Academy became officially recognized as a European partner organization for Erasmus+ students in the music sector by the European Institute for Education and Research EProjectConsult.
Carmen, a graduate in foreign languages, writes columns for various online magazines dedicated to the performing arts and has nurtured a passion for singing since childhood. She is the frontwoman of the event band Blue Mood, where, in addition to singing inspired by great voices such as Mina, Giorgia, and Silvia Mezzanotte, she also plays bass, keyboards, and guitar.
Carmelo is a lawyer specializing in Entertainment Law and Copyright Law, registered with the Bar Association of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto (ME). He provides legal consultancy and representation for artists, publishers, major labels, agencies, and organizations in the sector. He is also the author of song lyrics, articles, and legal publications.
Endorsement
2010 Liuther W.C. Rosso
2012 Aquila Corde Armoniche
2019 Myoglove by Wambooka
2024 Guitalift
2024 Martinez Guitars
Last Awards
2018 Gattopardo Ibleo Prize Golden Globe 2018
2018 Ibla Grand Prize E.Gismonti Special Mention
2019 Milazzo International Film Festival Golden Globe
2019 ERASMUS+ Teachers and Coaches
2023 ERASMUS+ Teachers and Coaches
About us:
«Valid musical qualities with highly qualified original interpretations. The harmony shown by the duo during the concert played a key role in the correct execution carried out according to the correct rules of interpretation». (Strumenti & Musica)« A special mention for the depth of their interpretations of the works of Edgberto Gismonti » (Ibla Gran Prize Giury)« I attended one of their concerts last July in Sicily. It turned out to be one of the deepest and most touching musical experiences I have ever had! Their chemical and musical interaction is simply genuine and so authentic.» ( M. Alexander – Composer)« A wonderful duo, I have been to some concerts... all wonderful. Musically, in repertoire and performance. The audience greatly appreciated it, and personally, I was ecstatic.» ( S. Martemucci – Tenor)« I immediately appreciated their talent and was captivated by their art of playing, which is not common to everyone, so I decided that one day I would reward them, and so it was. We must support real talent and reward those who truly deserve it.» (A. Campo – FilmMaker)« The two artists explored the repertoire of six historical-musical periods, showing, as on a palette, the melodic, timbral, and coloristic facets. Dowland, Giuliani, Albeniz, Mertz, Brouwer, and Bellinati were united by rigorous and attentive interpretations but also full of the pathos and deep understanding that characterize the duo's style. » (Ciao Classica )
CARMELO IMBESI
He was born in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto (Messina), Sicily.
As a child, he has nourished his education through drawing, poetry, music, dance and theatre. He approached the guitar world when he was 10, having his first experiences as a self-taught person and in several bands.
After Classical Gymnasium graduation, he graduated at “P.I. Tchaikovsky” Conservatoire in Nocera Terinese (CZ) with the top marks and the publishing right of the double extracurricular thesis “Le Rossiniane: lo stile giammai conosciuto”. Then, he got the Master of Music Degree in Music Disciplines with the top marks cum laude, with the thesis “Manuel de falla: Poeta dell’Anima Spagnola”. In 2009 he obtained a fellowship at the Conservatory as Guitar assistant professionship.
Today, his studies concern themes related to Aesthetics and Music Phenomenology, also including fields expanding his knowledge such as Jazz, World Music, Improvisation and Composition.
He already gave many concerts during the studies period, regularly holding recitals as a soloist, in chamber music groups. He plays in a duo with the M. Carmen Zangarà since 2010 improving with the M. Giovanni Puddu and M.Giampaolo Bandini, with whom he obtained a two-year Master of chamber music.
Different paths that he has been engaged in a constant search on instrumental teaching, also made through the study of Neuroscience (he earned, in fact, the NLP Licensed Practitioner certification in the educational field, joining the Richard Bandler’s NLP Society of USA), learning from the Trainers Stefano Santori and Giacomo Bruno, and proprioceptive knowledge, applied to the relationship with the musical instrument, to posture (he studied with the Personal Trainers Giuseppe Torre and Gerardo Martino integrating Mezières, Feldenkrais, Anderson, Alexander, Pnf and similar methods) and to the executive performance, leading him, to practise coaching for musicians.
Moreover, he studied the themes of Negotiation and Selling, Webmarketing, Leadership, Team Bulding, Personal, Professional and Financial Education with several nationally well-known NLP Trainers (Raffaele Galasso, Giacomo Bruno, Roberto Re, Stefano Santori).
He is professor in many Italian Music University since 2011. He is the president of the “J.K. Mertz” Guitar Academy, located in Barcellona P.g., that he founded, together with Carmen Zangarà, in 2013.
In addition to the academic program, he graduated in Legal Studies in 2009 at the Law at the University of Messina with the thesis: “La crittografica: L’arte di non farsi Capire”.
He earned the Five-years Master’s Degree in 2015 with the thesis: “Licenze Creative Commons: Verso il Copyright 2.0”.
He obtained the Show Business Law’ Master with Altalex Counseling and currently practises the profession of legal advisor and assistant in Show Business Organisation and Legislation, and Copyright at the Alfano-Imbesi Law Firm in Barcellona P.g., also regularly holding seminars on subject.
He love Books, Cinema, Poem, Sport (Body Building and Boxe), Travel, Meditation, Gaming and the Elegance.
CARMEN ZANGARA’
She was born in Seregno an showed an aptitude for music through singing and curiosity towards sounds from an early age, in fact spending many hours playing with the various musical instruments found in her home.
His father Vittorio, drummer and musician, seeing in her a natural ability to practice instrumental and an ear capable of immediately reproducing any melody, takes her with him during his evenings and begins to bring her closer to the study of music.
At the age of eight she moved to Vibo Valentia, in Calabria, his family’s country of origin, where he officially began his career with the guitar at the Musikè Academy (VV), followed by the M. A. De Rito and the M. Francesco Locane.
She continues her study at Vibo Valentia’s Conservatory with the M Marco Rossetti and the M. Simonetta Camilletti, until the meeting with M. Giuliano Macrì, who guided her towards the graduation at “P.I. Tchaikovsky” Conservatory and with whom she started the study on teaching, becoming Assistant.
She got the Master of Music Degree in Music Disciplines in 2013 with a thesis in Teaching Methodology entitled: “Emilio Pujol e Abel Carlevaro: un confronto didattico”. She got degree in ” MODERN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES at Carlo Bo University in Urbino whit a thesis about the relationship between Music and Poetry during the 900’s Spain Litterature.
She improved both as a Soloist and in Chamber Music with the M° Giovanni Puddu and Giampaolo Bandini, with whom he obtained a two-year Master of chamber music.
Today, her studies concern themes related to Teaching Methodology, Didactics and Propedeutic.
She is professor in many Italian Music University since 2011.
Her activity as a teacher is intense and she gave many concerts as well, both as a soloist and in chamber music groups, in fact, she took part in important international campus and festivals: Naxos Winter Campus, Campus AFAM ,Festival Atto Unico of Noto, Festival Giorgio Gaber, Umbria Classica, TaoArte, Festival Orchestre a Plettro, Lamezia Classica, besides standing out in National and International competitions, both in Italy and Spain, for her music talent.
Many paths engaged her in a constant research on instrumental teaching, also made through the study of Neuroscience (she earned, in fact, the Licensed Practitioner certification in NLP in the field of education, joining the Richard Bandler’s NLP Society of USA), learning from the Trainers Stefano Santori and Giacomo Bruno, and proprioceptive knowledge, applied to the relationship with the musical instrument, to posture (she studied with the Personal Trainers Giuseppe Torre and Gerardo Martino integrating Mezières, Feldenkrais, Anderson, Alexander, Pnf and similar methods) and to the executive performance, leading her, to practise the profession of Music & Life Coach (from 2013 onwards the references of her services can be found on Canale Formazione.com too).
She obtained the Master in Show Business Law with Altalex Counseling in 2014.
She is the Vice-President and the Artistic Director of the “J.K. Mertz” Guitar Academy, based in Barcellona P.g., that she founded, together with Carmelo Imbesi, in 2013.
She is frontman of the event band Blue Mood where sing (inspired by the great voices of Mina, Giorgia and Silvia Mezzanotte) plays bass, guitar and keyboards.
She loves reading, writing, traveling, cooking, flowers, elegance and sport.