Local newspaper advertisement announcing when and where you can catch ‘The Orphans’ live on stage.

     Just having fun with his  new Gibson by the

Hudson River in Weehawken, New Jersey 1968.

“The Orphans”

A Publicity Photo 1967

     Anton is second from the right. The group, started by his brother Ralph, called themselves the  ‘Orphans’.  New Jersey 1967 - Taking first prize in  “Battle of the Bands” at Palisade’s Amusement Park. Bands came from all over the northeast.

     The ‘Orphans’ rock group  was chosen amongst many  groups to perform at the New York World’s Fair in 1963. 

 

     Anton with bass player Tony Marchetta AKA Ace

on bass, warming up before

going on stage.

      Anton received his first guitar at the age of  twelve,  a Harmony (an original acoustic electric).  His later rock guitars were Epiphone, Fender and Gibson. He was lead guitarist  in  various rock groups .

The Early Years 1962 –1968   A  Rock  Musician 

At home in New Jersey

with his first electric guitar, a Harmony.

The Anton Del Forno Scrapbook

 

 

Home Page / Scrapbook

      While attending  Mannes College of Music, Del Forno  was the first  guitarist to perform as  a soloist with the Mannes Chamber Orchestra at Lincoln Center in New York City .

     Practicing before a concert with Adelita Lima, daughter and niece of the famous guitar duo Los Indios Tabajares.

     Anton being presented with a picture of Padre Pio by the president of the famous Padre Pio Hospital in Italy after his concert.

 

     When Anton was returning home to the states, the Alitalia airline crew wanted to put the Padre Pio picture in the luggage compartment because of its size. That, was until Anton uncovered the wrapping. When they saw the picture of Padre Pio all confusion started.  It remained on the plane in the cockpit, right next to the pilot.  This lovely memorabilia hangs on a wall in Anton’s  New Jersey home.

     Stuck in traffic while going to play a concert.

Working on his “Flirtation Concerto”

     Practicing in his home music studio.

Del Forno makes time to perform

for The March of Dimes

The Joe Franklin Show

The Boys Join Dad on Stage

Anton keeps his promise and performs a Christmas concert to raise money for the Felician Sisters who saved his life on Lake Hopatcong , New Jersey.

All proceeds were divided amongst various charitable organizations.

 

Regardless of age, they

all want to meet Anton !

- The Transition -

From Rock To Bach

1968

The Outreach Program

“BRINGING THE GREAT CONCERT HALL  MUSIC TO THE PEOPLE”

Many people are inspired to draw Del Forno during his live performance. 

Here are some examples including one drawing of the  virtuoso as seen through the eyes of a child.

A Special Benefit Concert

   Anton with Joe Franklin holding  the  ‘Impressies’ recording. Anton was the featured guest artist on this release  recorded during his Holland tour with Chris Hinze and Louis van Dijk.

     During a Europen tour Del Forno performed as  a featured guest artist at a music  festival in Vico, Italy.  His family’s hometown.

     “Rock’s loss was certainly the concert hall’s gain”. Lubbock Texas. The audience was mesmerized.

Especially the girls.

    Anton used one of his Rolls Royces as transportation during a New England state’s tour.  It’s a 1934  Phantom  pre war vintage.

   Anton has custom guitar ring made.  A copy of his 1968 Ramirez.    The body of the ring is solid gold.  A  diamond sets in the middle within the guitar’s rosette. Diamonds  are also used for the tuning pegs . And - YES!  It does have six strings made of white gold.   An amazing piece.

    Photo of Anton on the ‘Christmas Gifts’ recording. 

   Alice Tully Hall Concert in

New York City.

   Anton takes a moment to answer an audience  question at the JCC  of The Palisades in NJ.

   Anton is a guest artist during a special July 4th celebration at  the Liberty State Park in  Jersey City, NJ

     Anton smiles at a student’s question during an assembly outreach program called ‘Knowledge of the Music World’. 

    A Mother’s Day Concert at

St. Patrick’s Cathedral with flutist Melanie Wesley.

Anton takes a moment to speak  to his audience about a piece of music he is about to perform. 

    Anton is the first guitarist engaged to perform at Dante Concert Hall  in Atlantic City, NJ.

Ironically,  he has a son named Dante.

     Anton takes a picture with Gerry Saulter after being interviewed  for the 20th Century Guitar Magazine at Anton’s Vail Leavitt Hall concert in, New York.

   Anton trying a new guitar in concert built especially for him by  Luthier Edgar Vila.  The guitar was named ‘La Mensaiera’.

 

Child’s Drawing

    Anton with the Manue Flamenco Group in New York City..

     On the spur of the moment Anton agreed to be taped live during his performance in Portugal at the ancient 12th century Cathedral  Evora.   A CD of this concert will be released in 2006.

  Anton checking out the sounds in Eddie Vila’s workshop.

 

    Anton congratulates an old friend, the author Robin Polseno on his new book,  -  ‘The Patriot Act’.

Performance

Of

‘Flirtation Concerto’’

Female Chorus in 2nd  Movement

‘Andantino Espressivo’

Flamenco Dancer in 3rd Movement

‘Presto’

Del Forno composed, orchestrated,  and performs as soloist in his ‘Flirtation Concerto’