Last night’s concert included some of the most expressive playing I have heard in a long time. Mabel and Celia Millán are sisters from Cordoba, the first plays the guitar and the second the piano. I have never been a big fan of the piano and certainly never imagined enjoying a concert including duets of guitar and piano. Last night proved me wrong and the programme, while very popular was beautifully played. Some pieces were a dialogue between the two, in others the piano was limited to a basso continuo or an orchestral type accompaniment and one (Sevilla) even gave the piano complete centre stage while the guitar acompanied. The pianist played everything with a perfect sensitivity to the guitarist’s needs and only in Sevilla did it mask the sound of the guitar at some points. At 24 years old, these two excellent musicians have an unlimited future ahead of them. My only regret is that I didn’t know anything about these two players and did not bring my family along to enjoy the music. Congratulations to Vicente Coves for bringing us these two jewels.

Today the Granada guitar-makers said good-bye to one of the greats of the Granada school. Bernd Martin passed away on Wednesday July 18 after an exhausting battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife Matilde and his son Lucas. He was a much a part of this community as any of the old guard and was a master in every sense. For those of you who wish to know more about Bernd, this article tells of his importance in the granada school, his son Lucas is his direct disciple and this short film made by DC Chavez includes some interview footage.

So this time it really is the last day to register for the Antonio Marin Montero Guitar-making Competition. A great opportunity to visit Granada, meet some young american guitarists and hear some great guitar music. And who knows, if you win it is great publicity.