Alba Espert, flamenco guitarist: "I'm shy, but when I get on stage, that's when I enjoy the most" (08/19/2022)
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Learning from the best
Alba Espert (Jerez, 1997) is a young promise of the guitar and despite her young age, she has already won several awards and has been able to rub shoulders with big names in flamenco. She began playing at just eight years old. Her parents gave her a guitar, and she has not separated from it since. She soon started taking lessons and has had the opportunity to study at various academies with renowned artists such as José Luis Balao, Manuel Lozano 'el Carbonero', or Rosario Montoya, 'la Reina Gitana'. She later moved to Córdoba to study Flamenco Guitar at the Higher Conservatory, and since 2015, she has been a Flamenco Guitar teacher at the Cultural Association Tertulia Flamenca 'Amigos de Paco Peña'. She has been awarded the Andalucia Joven Prize in the Art and Culture category.
Why did you start playing the guitar?
I just felt like it. At eight years old, I asked my parents for one, and they gave it to me as a gift for Three Kings Day.
It's not the typical thing a girl asks for; is there a musical tradition within the family?
None. I can't explain why I wanted a guitar, but my parents did what I asked and got me the instrument.
When did you start taking lessons?
Right away. At eight years old, I was already taking lessons, and shortly after, I started studying at different academies.
What academic training have you had?
Well, after studying at the academies, I went to Córdoba to study Flamenco Guitar at the Higher Conservatory. I finished just before the pandemic, and the following year I received the Cristina Heeren Foundation scholarship after participating in the Talento Flamenco competition. I have also completed a master's degree in Flamenco Research and Analysis at the Universities of Cádiz and Córdoba, and this year I received the practicum scholarship, also from the Cristina Heeren Foundation.
An extensive and very successful academic curriculum.
Well, I have received many scholarships and finished my degree with honors, so I guess I did well (laughs).
You have been able to study with great artists in the world of flamenco; how has that experience been?
I was able to learn from José Luis Balao, Manuel Lozano 'el Carbonero,' or Rosario Montoya 'la Reina Gitana.' It has been fantastic. With 'la Reina Gitana,' for example, it was incredible when I studied with her as a child, but even more so when, being older, I went to her house, and we played piano and guitar together. With her and the other teachers, I have learned a lot not only about flamenco but also about life, and I am delighted to have been able to learn from them.
Do you feel nervous when you get on stage?
I am a very shy person, but when I get on stage, I know I have a responsibility, and that's when I enjoy the most. Trying to make the audience like what I do and trying to reach their hearts a little is something I love. Also, any artist who interacts with you is already teaching you something, so it's a continuous learning process.
How do you feel in Córdoba?
I am delighted. From the first moment, they trusted me and gave me many opportunities, and at the Cultural Association Tertulia Flamenca 'Amigos de Paco Peña,' where I have been working since 2015, I have learned a lot from their talks and the guests I have been able to accompany in singing.
Have you had many performances during the summer?
Fortunately, yes. June and July have been non-stop. August has been quieter, but now in September and October, we have more performances. It's great, even though we don't have vacations. When people go back to work, that's when I can take a few days off.
Recently, the Andalusian Government has awarded your career with a youth talent award.
In the art and culture category. They informed me of this just this week. It's an honor, as are all the awards I have received since 2018. That my effort is valued and that they hold me in such high regard is a dream.
In the summer, do you prefer the beach or the countryside?
I don't go to the beach much, but I prefer the beach over the countryside or the mountains.
Where would you go on vacation?
In Andalusia and Spain, there are beautiful places that we all should visit, but a trip I made to Norway left a mark on me. It has wonderful landscapes, and I would undoubtedly repeat it.
What dish can't be missing from your table?
I'm not picky about food, but in the summer, a gazpacho is more suitable than a soup.
And to go with it?
I always drink water with my meals. It's different if the meal goes on for a while or if you go out to a bar, in which case I might order a soft drink.
