III International Flamenco Guitar Festival of Jerez
Tribute to Manolo Sanlúcar
La Guarida del Ángel - Jerez (05/05/2022)
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Alba Espert and Manuel de la Luz raise the curtain for the III Guitar Festival
The guitarists will perform this Thursday, May 5, at La Guarida del Ángel starting at 9 PM
Manuel de la Luz and Alba Espert point out that "playing in a tribute to the maestro is an honor for all professionals"
La Guarida del Ángel becomes the first stage of the Guitar Festival taking place on May 5 and 6 in Jerez de la Frontera. An event that will serve as a tribute to guitarist Manolo Sanlúcar and will feature artists such as Santiago Lara, Mercedes Ruiz, Alba Espert, Manuel de la Luz, and José Quevedo ‘Bolita,’ among others.
It will be on May 5 at 9 PM when La Guarida del Ángel hosts the concert of Alba Espert and Manuel de la Luz, two highly talented guitarists who will open the curtain of this third edition of the festival.
For Alba Espert, being able to participate in the Guitar Festival is "a great honor, I am glad they have counted on me. Manolo Sanlúcar's composition is pure magic, as well as being an extraordinary performer. I like to look at him, at how he places his hands. Being able to be in a recital with another musician like Manuel de la Luz is a pleasure because, as a partner, he is ideal.”
The Jerez native is also experiencing a very sweet moment due to the schedule of performances she is having. "It is a dream to be able to continue performing recitals after the situation we have experienced with the pandemic. I am glad that the stages have returned the welcome to flamenco that it deserves.”
For Manuel de la Luz, coming to Jerez is always synonymous with pride. After several appearances at the Festival as part of an artistic ensemble, for the first time, he will face the Jerez audience alone. "Any stage is special because playing in front of the public is a great responsibility. On a personal level, the relationship I have had with Manolo Sanlúcar has been magical. Not only for the privilege of having him as a teacher, being at his house, studying with him…he is a man of incredible generosity who would deserve a tribute every day.”
In the same vein, the man from Huelva adds that "the legacy that Manolo Sanlúcar has left us is one of the great gifts given to music. He has defended Spanish culture throughout the world, exposing it to the highest levels.”
On the other hand, in terms of professional projects, Manuel de la Luz is one of the musicians who will perform with Rafael Riqueni in the work of 'Nerja' on May 28, a show that will premiere in Granada after its tour in France. "It is a very guitaristic work, with very special music alongside maestro Riqueni. A wonderful professional gift.” In addition, Manuel de la Luz is currently working on what will be his next album, although he clarifies that "in the coming weeks, an album I have composed for the singer Olivia Molina will be released."
A night of memories and emotions
Alba Espert and Manuel de la Luz open the III Guitar Festival with an emotional guitar recital
The III International Guitar Festival of Jerez pays tribute to Manolo Sanlúcar
The third edition of the International Guitar Festival of Jerez, an initiative that Santiago Lara and Mario González started with great enthusiasm a few years ago and now has municipal support, began on Thursday at La Guarida with a concert by Alba Espert and Manuel de la Luz. It marked the start of an edition featuring Manolo Sanlúcar.
La Guarida del Ángel hosted this first evening, where Mario González, the manager of the Jerez venue, had meticulously prepared the room so that the audience could enjoy a pure "tablao" experience. Tables and chairs were gradually occupied by more than 60 people who wanted to immerse themselves in the world of guitar. Friends, family, and artists such as Santiago Lara, and maestros José Luis Balao and Manuel Lozano 'El Carbonero,' did not want to miss an emotional event that paid tribute to the maestro from Sanlúcar, who could not attend due to health reasons.
On stage, a chair and a microphone allowed Alba Espert to settle in and let her fingers dance across a flamenco guitar that captivated the audience. The Jerez native chose a repertoire that included rondeñas, granaínas, tarantos, and peteneras, showcasing her immense power over her instrument, accompanied by the sweetness and composure that characterizes her.
After the Jerez native's recital, it was time for Manuel de la Luz, an artist from Huelva who arrived "very excited" to play in Jerez.
More seasoned and with exquisite technique, the guitarist displayed great fluidity and quality playing soleás, bulerías, and tarantos, among other styles. The audience gave a huge round of applause to both guitarists at the end of the performance, with memories of Manolo Sanlúcar present throughout the entire event.
