Marcel Torres is a young guitar talent. Born in Girona, he studied music at the Barcelona School of Music and accompanied by the advice of the maestro Àlex Garrobé, he specialized in the interpretation of classical and, above all, contemporary music.
An enormous interest in all styles of music leads him to define an eclectic artistic profile. He is nourished by the worlds of jazz, modern music, electronic music and improvisation with the help of musicians such as Dani Pérez and Agustí Fernandez.
This last 2018 year, he participates in collective projects such as the Opera Brúndibar del Teatre lliure with the Barcelona 216 Orchestra, the improvisational concert directed by the Esmuc Ensemble in the Auditori or the cycle of concerts "Silenci, fem música" of the Museum of Music of Barcelona.
SAM BALLESTER
Sam Ballester, he began his musical career in Alt Empordà, Girona, and later continued his studies in Granada, where he explored flamenco guitar, classical guitar, jazz, as well as musical language, harmony, and improvisation, receiving classes from renowned teachers such as Emilio Maya, Pepe Armilla, and David Defries.
He develops his career as a flamenco guitarist in the Cabo de Gata region (Almería), where he has been part of various groups and duos, such as Ivy'enco and Tiznao Flamenco, while also collaborating with several artists who have contributed to his incorporation of elements from other musical genres.
He has two major works: Two Nights in Cabo de Gata (guitar and sax) and Munich (Tiznao Flamenco), as well as the soundtrack for a documentary titled El Camp dels Ninots.
He is also a member of the Colombine Collective, which has premiered two works: The Treasure of Colombine, an adaptation of a story for primary schools, and Sueños de Carmen de Burgos, a flamenco theater piece directed by dancer and choreographer Candi Román.
EKATERINA ZÁYTSEVA & LAURA COLL
Ekaterina Zaytseva, born in Geneva and based in Barcelona, is considered one of the most outstanding talents of her generation. Her masterful interpretations of the great guitar repertoire have been unanimously praised by both audiences and critics.
Laura Coll, born in Pals, is a lyrical coloratura soprano. She is passionate about Rossini and specializes in the Italian and French bel canto repertoire. Laura has won several international competitions and enjoys considerable international recognition.
On this occasion, they have combined their talents in a magical and wonderful duo that will present a fascinating repertoire to us.
IZAN RUBIO
Izan Rubio is an outstanding Catalan guitarist who has been awarded with different prizes at international music competitions such as the Certamen Miquel Llobet in Barcelona, the Corelli-Savarez Chamber Music Competition in Austria, the Valle Laghi Guitar Competition and Festival in Italy, and at the International Guitar Festival Ciutat d'Elche, among others.
He has performed in emblematic locations of Catalan geography and has been scheduled by renowned festivals and organizations, as a solo musician and as a member of the Salzburg Guitar Trio. He has also been invited to Catalunya Ràdio, Canal 33 or TV programs such as Essaig General, Notes de Clàssica, La Sonora and Ben Trobats. Currently combines his concert activity with teaching; and is part of the teaching staff at the Sabadell School of Music and Conservatory of Music.
DUO ARPEGI - François Ragot & Nathalie Mengual
Nathalie Mengual and François Ragot form the Duo Arpegi. A duo that approaches with great pleasure the repertoire that combines the powerful sound of the guitar and the warm and vibrant sound of the cello. Plucked and rubbed strings reach our souls with passion.
The first album of the Duo Arpegi has just been released "Arpeggiata" by the label "Nostrum Duo" and invites us to share sensations and emotions.
François Ragot is a cellist and artistic director of "Mare Nostrum Musicae". he studied at the Perpignan Conservatory and at the Royal College of Music in London, he obtained the "Post Graduate Diploma" and the "Ivor James Prize". Back in Catalonia, he was the principal cello player of the "Orquesta del Empordà" until 2001.
Since 2012 he has directed the Canet-en-Roussillon Regional Symphony Orchestra and is invited to conduct other major orchestras around the word. As a musician, he is the soloist cellist of the GIOrquestra de Girona, he is invited to play as a soloist with many orchestras around the world and as a teacher, he teaches cello in France, Spain and lately at the Hanoi Conservatory (Vietnam).
Nathalie Mengual is a guitarist and studied at the Perpignan Conservatory of Music and later she perfected herself at the Montpellier Conservatory, where she obtained the Diploma of guitar and chamber music teacher. She has studied baroque guitar and theorbo and in 2018 she obtained the Instrumental Pedagogy diploma at the Toulouse Higher Institute of Applied Arts.
DAVIDE MASCIA
Davide Mascia is a young and talented guitarist from Italy. He was born in Cagliari in 2002 and, after several years at the “L. Canepa” Conservatory in Sassari, continued his studies at the “S. Cecilia” Conservatory in Rome under Maestro Arturo Tallini.
He has attended masterclasses and advanced courses with renowned guitarists such as Andrea De Vitis, Paolo Pegoraro (at the Segovia Guitar Academy), Pierluigi Corona, Lorenzo Micheli, Pietro Locatto, Alberto Mesirca, Aniello Desiderio, Frédéric Zigante, Adriano Del Sal, Marco Tamayo, Simone Vallerotonda, Leonardo Spinedi, Łukasz Kuropaczewski, and Pavel Steidl.
Alongside his academic studies, he has participated in numerous guitar competitions, winning major first prizes, including the Enrico Mercatali Guitar Competition (Italy) and the José Tomás Villa de Petrer Competition (Spain). As a concert performer, he has appeared in Italy, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, and the United States.
He has collaborated with the Italian composer Alessandro Solbiati and, in 2023, released his interpretation of Tre Pezzi per chitarra, which won the “Golden Guitar” for best video at the Convegno Internazionale di Chitarra in Milan, in October 2024.
In 2022, he released his debut album, The Italian Guitar Campus Series – Davide Mascia, with the DotGuitar label, featuring works by J. Rodrigo and A. Uhl.
Étienne Candela is a French classical guitar soloist, as well as a baroque guitar and theorbo player. He enjoys exploring a broad repertoire spanning diverse styles and periods. After earning a degree in Musicology, Étienne entered the National Conservatory of Paris in Roland Dyens's class, where he graduated with the First Prize and unanimous jury approval. He has also trained with prominent figures in the lute and guitar worlds, including J.M. Roulet, T. Chagnot, Göran Söllscher, Caroline Delume, Carel Harms, Eric Bellocq, and Beatrice Pornon. Additionally, Étienne has benefited from the guidance of Gérard Abiton, Olivier Chassain, and Alberto Ponce.
His eclectic repertoire leans towards baroque and contemporary music, and he also explores various chamber music ensembles. A passionate pedagogue, Étienne obtained the “Certificat d’Aptitude” from the CNSMDP and currently teaches guitar at the Conservatory of Châteauroux, in addition to offering numerous courses and masterclasses.
LYDIE FUERTE & JUAN MANUEL CORTÉS
Lydie Fuerte began playing the guitar at a young age, and her first teacher, Nicolas Toniutti, introduced her to the world of flamenco and jazz. Later, composer Roland Dyens advised her to join the Toulouse Conservatory of Music in France, where she won her first classical guitar award in 2006. She then deepened her understanding of flamenco with guitarist Vicente Pradal and obtained a diploma in "Traditional Flamenco Guitar Music."
As a composer, Lydie Fuerte has created her own musical universe, combining flamenco, classical music, and jazz. She has been recognized as a breakthrough flamenco fusion guitarist, an official artist for "Savarez," and is currently on tour in France, Europe, Africa, and South America, presenting her new album "Barroca," inspired by Vivaldi's Four Seasons.
Accompanied by the excellent percussionist Juan-Manuel Cortés, a refined composer, energetic performer, and master of rhythm, both share a rich and eclectic career, performing throughout France, Europe, Africa, and South America.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BARROCA SHOW
Lydie Fuerte has a deep connection with her music, which is reflected in every step of her artistic journey.
A life in symbiosis... A musical and artistic sensitivity that reaches the limits... A unique and personal approach to the quality of sound and silence.
Accompanied by the excellent percussionist Juan-Manuel Cortés, a refined composer, passionate performer, and master of rhythm, both share a rich and eclectic career that has taken them to perform in France, Europe, Africa, and South America.
This year, Lydie Fuerte presents her new album "BARROCA," a work inspired by the compositions of Vivaldi and Bach, a true ode to freedom and life.