Once again a great concert by this impeccable guitarist. I saw her last year with her pianist sister and am pleased to say that she lived up to my expectations for this year on her own. She played a great Serenata Española, Fantasía Húngara and the Capricho diabolico and Carnaval de Venecia effortlessly. I am glad to see a bit of variety in the concerts this year but a great solo recital by an excellent guitarist is always welcome.
Author Archives: johnray
Summer Arts starts now
I have mentioned numerous times that during the Granada Guitar Festival the city fills up with players, teachers, students and makers. Some come for the great concerts
competing guitar-makers last year
The makers come to present their guitars in the building competition.
But one of the reasons why this festival is so successful is the co-ordination between the European Guitar Foundation and California State University. As part of its Summer Arts programme, CSU celebrates its guitar course here and this year has brought 27 students to study with some great guitarists. The course starts today and so I will be looking out for the students at concerts, workshops, falafel joints and bars. Last year the Association of Guitar-makers of Granada organized an opportunity for these students to try out guitars made by the Granada builders and we hope to do that again this year.
Miguel Ochando
An excellent flamenco concert last night in honour of guitar-maker Rafael Moreno. I was particularily impressed by the playing of Miguel Ochando. He is often touted as the best player in Granada and after seeing him for the first time I am inclined to agree. His playing last night contained much more harmony than I am used to hearing in flamenco guitar. Apparently the solo guitar music we heard was from the old greats: Niño RIcardo, Sabicas and the like.
Javier Riba in Granada
Javier Riba has been playing my guitars since 2005 when he came to visit my workshop attracted by the copy I made of Torres’ SE 153. Last night he gave a beautiful recital at the Casa Manuel de Falla for the opening night of the International Guitar Festival of Granada. The music was beautifully played and evoked the Spain of the early 20th century. Riba always gives the audience a bit of background for each of the pieces he plays and last night was no exception. His talent as a teacher shines through in those moments. As for the programme, the Evocaciones by Antón García Abril were particularily wonderful and Falla too was excellent. For myself it was a great pleasure to have one of my guitars played on stage for the Granada festival.
Presentation of the III International Guitar Festival of Granada
Once again a great programme for this guitar festival. The festival has always been supported by public institutions but that support is growing with each successful edition. Representatives of the University of Granada, town hall, regional government, the Alhambra and Granada orchestra are shown here. The festival kicks off on July 18. Details here.