Ricardo Fernandez del Moral / Flamenco

Ricardo Fernandez del Moral / Flamenco Presented by Terraza 7 Saturday, November 18th, 2023, at 10:00 pm

$20 Cover Charge for Mezzanine Seating.

Featuring:

• Ricardo Fernandez del Moral /  Cantaor & Guitarist

About Ricardo Fernandez del Moral:

Ricardo Fernándes, born in Ciudad Real in 1974, began playing the guitar at the age of 8 in his hometown of Daimiel, influenced by his father, a flamenco singer and enthusiast. He took lessons from the prestigious masters Oscar Herrero and Manolo Martín. At 14, he started playing at the flamenco club "Juan Antonio Córdoba" in Almagro and soon became its official guitarist, accompanying all the singers who performed there. Shortly after, the flamenco club "La Sonanta" in Ciudad Real also recruited him as their official guitarist.

During these years, while accompanying many renowned artists with his guitar, he discovered a passion for singing over playing. Encouraged by family and friends, he began his career as a flamenco singer, performing at festivals organized by "La Sonanta" in Ciudad Real.

It wasn't until the summer of 2011 that he ventured into singing competitions to gain recognition. He impressed everyone with his mastery of accompanying himself on the guitar, achieving outstanding results. Notably, he won the First Prize in Madrid at the National Young Flamenco Singing Competition "Cuando llega el duende". The jury included famed figures such as guitarist Enrique de Melchor, RTVE's flamenco communicator José María Velazquez-Gaztelu, and the renowned flamenco scholar José Manuel Gamboa. During this period, he also performed at major flamenco venues, including "Café de Chinitas".

A highlight of his career was his participation in the 52nd edition of the International Cante de Las Minas Festival in La Unión. In a historic first, he won five awards: Malagueña, Taranta, Soleá, Toná, Minera, and the coveted "Lámpara Minera", the most prestigious award in the flamenco world. It was also the first time in the festival's history that the winner of the "Lámpara Minera" did not require an accompanying guitarist.

Ricardo has performed all over Spain, from the Teatro Real in Madrid to international festivals in Japan and European countries like Hungary, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Germany. He recently performed at the Flamenco and Musiques du Sud Festival in the Gothic Cathedral Cloister of Condom, France.

In May 2014, he released his debut album "Yo Solo", which covered the songs he was awarded for in La Unión, receiving widespread acclaim. In 2016, the government of Castilla-La Mancha recognized him for his artistic achievements and promoting the region beyond its borders. In 2023, he received an award from the European Guitar Foundation for his exceptional mastery in combining flamenco singing and guitar playing as a solo artist.