​Samantha Wells is a classical guitarist based… a little bit of everywhere! Having devoted her performance career to the classical, Spanish, Brazilian and crossover repertoires, she has recently started exploring the deep intersections between music, literature, and narrative storytelling. Awakening a latent passion for J.R.R. Tolkien, she has been focusing on framing classical masterpieces through the thematic lens of Middle-earth—bridging the rich history of the guitar with the timeless beauty of the Elder Days.

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Born and raised in Italy, Samantha Wells studied classical guitar at Centro Romano della Chitarra in Rome. As a teenager, she was captivated by rock music and self-taught herself to play electric guitar, initially causing tension with her quiet-loving neighbors. Eventually, she became the lead guitarist of Rouge Dada, an Italian underground rock band that secured a contract with BMG Ariola and embarked on extensive tours across the country.

 

While at university, Samantha delved into the world of jazz, blues, and fusion with renowned Italian guitarists Rodolfo Maltese and Gabriele Spano. Simultaneously, she rekindled her passion for classical guitar. After graduating in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of Rome, Samantha relocated to the United States and studied with Emanuele Torrente, acclaimed Italian guitarist, published composer and music theorist.

 

Throughout her career, Samantha has performed at various public and private venues across the United States. Notable performances include duets with violinist Tony Finley at Rose Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City, as well as collaborations with Sri Lankan flutist and violinist Sureka Amerasinghe at the Mannes School of Music. She also performed in the premiere of “Threnos,” a piece from Emanuele Torrente’s “English Songs,” with vocalist Carla Jenkins at the New York City Classical Guitar Society. Additionally, Samantha participated in the 2012 World Premiere of B.R.Meyers’ “Gladwell for 100 Guitars,” directed by David Tanembaum.

 

Samantha has performed in masterclasses with renowned guitarists Scott Tennant, Martha Masters, Laura Oltman, and Jorge Caballero at the Mannes International Guitar Seminar in New York City. She is also a former winner of the GFA Symposium, Adult Division. Representing the South Bay Guitar Society, she has performed at the 9th Annual Art Panorama organized by the Silicon Valley Art Association at Le Petit Trianon Theatre and at the Society’s Showcase at the Theatre in San Pedro Square, both in San Jose, California. Additionally, she has performed and co-hosted the Sierra Nevada Classical Guitar Festival and Competition with Larry Aynesmith and “An evening of Guitar,” a weekly open playing night for classical guitarists in Midtown Manhattan, with guitarist Jon Donnel.

 

Samantha enjoys teaching, practicing, performing and transcribing for the guitar. Her covers of Django Reinhardt, Chick Corea and Baden Powell are popular with the You Tube guitar community.