Classical guitar prodigy Flavio Sala takes Monterey.

Classical guitarist Flavio Sala has performed hundreds of high-profile concerts spanning five continents; he recently headlined a symphony orchestra performance at the revered Prokofiev Concert Hall of the Philharmonic Society of Russia. He’s also picked up an assortment of accolades, including first prize at the Concurso Internacional de Guitarra XIV “Alirio Diaz” of Carora.

But the 33-year-old Bojano, Italy native is more proud of his openness to all music: During a recent performance, Sala opened with Bach’s Prelude for Cello Suite No. 1; he then took some unexpected side streets that included Elvis’ rendition of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and Santana’s “Europa.” Amazingly, Sala never breaks from his dulcet classical style.

Yes guitarist Steve Howe was first turned onto the classical guitarist six years ago after Sala’s friend slipped the prog rock icon a couple of his albums.

“I kept thinking, ‘This sounds interesting; how’s [Sala] going to play the next bit?’” Howe told The Baltimore Sun. “‘Oh – with beauty and consideration.’”

Sala recently recorded his ninth full-length album, Mi Guitarra y Mis Amores (My Guitar and My Loves), at Howe’s London home studio.

“It was an unbelievable experience for me,” he says. “Steve asked me to improvise, which I had never done [in the studio]. It opened up a new world.”

Sala says he and Howe’s collaboration works because their styles are so vastly different. Sala’s long slender fingers pluck out intricate compositions on nylon classical guitar strings, while Howe shreds the steel strings of his solid body electric guitar with a pick.

“I love the approach of playing any genre of music on classical guitar,” Sala says.

As Sala continues his 25-show solo house concert tour throughout the U.S., he’s building a whole new fanbase who also dig the approach.

FLAVIO SALA 7pm Saturday, Oct. 8. The Venue, 1242 Siddall Court, Seaside. $15/advance; $20/door. http://thevenue1.blogspot.com