When it comes to finding inspiration, virtuoso acoustic guitar player Peppino D’Agostino looks no further than life itself. “It’s the melody and rhythm of people,” said D’Agostino. “I find inspiration in the everyday; there is music everywhere.”

The internationally known performer will make a rare Maine appearance at the Boothbay Harbor Opera House on Oct. 15. 

D’Agostino emerged on the musical scene in the late 1980s and helped redefine the boundaries of the acoustic guitar. His virtuosic technique, penchant for open tunings, and percussive effects are the basis of his unique compositional style. His album “Every Step of the Way” was named “one of the top three acoustic guitar albums of all time” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Hailed as a “guitarist’s guitarist” by the magazine and “a giant of the acoustic guitar” by the San Diego Reader, D’Agostino was voted Best Acoustic Guitarist by Guitar Player magazine readers. He has released 17 albums in both his native Italy and on U.S. labels.

A native of Torino, Italy, D’Agostino has performed in 26 countries, been featured at prestigious international music festivals in Montreal, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Ravello, and performed in world-renowned venues including the Kolner Philharmonie in Cologne, the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco and the Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall in Istanbul. He frequently performs with Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Martin Taylor and Eric Johnson and has just composed a soundtrack for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

“My music is acoustic fusion,” he said. “There’s a little bit of classical, country, Brazilian. It’s a mix of different styles.”

In addition to the instrumental prowess, D’Agostino sings in both Italian and English. His music is informed by a childhood in northern Italy and he likes to compare his musical approach to the culinary art of his native country.

“If you want to prepare a good, succulent dish you have to know how to mix the various ingredients and, most important, have knowledge of the right amounts,” said D’Agostino. “Similarly, in musical composition you must be able to properly combine melody, harmony, rhythm and percussive effects with discretion and elegance.”

Despite his 30 years in America, D’Agostino is still Italian through and through, which informs his music. “I cook Italian food, love my friends and love my wine,” he said. “My heritage is a big part of who I am.”

He established himself in the San Francisco Bay area in the 1980s after paying his dues as a street musician. Accolades soon followed and he became one of highest regarded acoustic musicians of his era. Concertgoers can expect an eclectic set of mostly original material. He’s been known to add a medley of pop hits including those by The Beatles. 

“I really use the guitar like a mini orchestra,” said D’Agostino. 

The musician is no stranger to Maine, having visited multiple times as both a visitor and performer. “I love the state and the people,” he said. “I’m always happy to be there and share my music.”

Advance purchase tickets for the concert are $20, The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7.