Wednesday 25 June 2026 | Barbican, London
Presented in collaboration with Serious
Legendary guitarist Al Di Meola returns to London in summer 2026 with The Guitarchitect Tour, a landmark live show celebrating five decades of innovation, virtuosity and global musical exploration. The concert takes place at the iconic Barbican on Wednesday 25 June 2026, as part of the Summer Jazz Series.
Tickets for Al Di Meola at The Barbican – On sale Friday 30 January 2026
Tickets go on sale Friday 30 January 2026 at 10am and will be available via the Barbican Box Office.
A master architect of modern guitar
A founding member of the seminal jazz fusion group Return to Forever, Al Di Meola has shaped the sound of contemporary instrumental music since the 1970s. A Grammy Award-winning solo artist, his influence spans jazz, fusion, Latin, flamenco and Mediterranean traditions, underpinned by a signature style defined by speed, precision and lyrical depth.
Across an extraordinary career, Di Meola has released a catalogue of landmark recordings, including Elegant Gypsy, Casino and the genre-defining live album Friday Night in San Francisco. Each has played a pivotal role in expanding the expressive possibilities of the guitar.
Inside The Guitarchitect Tour
Performed with his acclaimed acoustic band, The Guitarchitect is both a retrospective and a forward-looking statement. The show weaves together classic compositions, deep-cut fan favourites and new material, all enhanced by immersive multimedia visuals and personal storytelling from Di Meola himself.
Audiences can expect:
A career-spanning set that unites past, present and future
Cinematic visuals that frame the music within Di Meola’s artistic journey
Intimate insights into the ideas and influences behind the compositions
Virtuosic performances delivered with trademark precision and warmth
The result is a concert experience that is as reflective as it is exhilarating - an exploration of how one artist has continually evolved while remaining unmistakably himself.
A rare London appearance
Renowned for his electrifying live performances, Al Di Meola remains a tireless creative force, captivating audiences worldwide with shows that balance technical brilliance and emotional resonance. This Barbican performance offers a rare opportunity to experience one of modern music’s great innovators in a setting celebrated for its acoustics and atmosphere.