Juan Carmona

His feet in the land of his ancestors and his head into modernity, Juan Carmona is timeless, elusive, undeniably flamenco.

«The Gypsy Juan Carmona takes us on a journey from Baghdad to Cordoba, following in the footsteps of the great artist Zyriab.
Juan Carmona thus creates an alchemy, inspired by this initiatory journey to the heart of music and history... He speaks to us of a time that is no longer,
but whose soul continues to vibrate as soon as he touches the strings of his guitar. It seems as if we hear the echo of a five-stringed oud. It is Zyriab
who smiles. » - Marianne Poncelet Executive Vice-President of International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation

« In 2015, Morocco had the pleasure of welcoming the flamenco guitarist Juan Carmona and awarding him the “Ziryab des Virtuoses trophy”.
This word Zyriab is a recurring theme in Juan Carmona’s career, and he in turn wants to pay tribute to him by dedicating an entire album...
For his musical odyssey is a testament to his genius in playing and composing and the career of this master of flamenco with golden fingers, Juan
Carmoma. » - Ouafaâ Bennani President of the National Music Committee of Morocco / Official partner of the UNESCO

NEW ALBUM RELEASE IN AUGUST 2024!

On tour with his musicians around the world (United States, China, Canada, etc), his albums Alchemya, Orillas, Sinfonia Flamenca and El Sentido del Aire were nominated at the Latin GRAMMY Awards, category « Best Flamenco Album of the year ». Winner of the Grand Prize Charles Cros, UNESCO also awarded him the Grand Prize Zyriab of Virtuosos. Praised by the leading figures of flamenco, Juan Carmona continues to soar on the wings of duende, taking it to new heights. He is an innovator, one of the most valiant links between modern music and the oldest, liveliest traditions of Andalusia. He is currently recording his new album (13th of his
discography), release for Autumn 2024.
 

The Carmona family had emigrated from North Africa to France after being exiled in the early 1960s. Juan, born in Lyon, was only ten years old when his father gave
him his first guitar. His passion for the instrument grew and his virtuosity was quickly remarked by professional
musicians. Juan’s journey as a professional guitarist next took him back to the land of his ancestors, Spain, to go back to his roots and imbibe at the Source - Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. His talent and the originality of his art were quickly recognized in this city, known as the cradle of flamenco.
For 9 years, he absorbed as much as he could in the purest flamenco tradition, rubbing elbows with some of its biggest names, like Joaquín Grilo, Agujetas, Duquende, Antonio Canales, Chano Domínguez and many others. He recorded his first albums and won
international awards including the prestigious guitar competition International de Jerez, finalist of the competition of the Union of Cordoba and winner of the
great Paco de Lucia Awards. The success Juan encountered in Spain was a triumph
for this Gypsy of French origin. On his return to France, he collaborated with musicians of diverse origins: Sylvain Luc, Larry Coryell, Marcus Miller, Jan Garbarek, Trilok
Gurtu, Subramanian, Baden Povell ; each project adding a new color to his sound pallette. Creative and curious, his thirst for learning is unquenchable and makes him what he is today : the creator of one of the most beautiful sounds on the international scene. His music is written with his memory, his ears, his heart and
his passion.
A self-taught musician, he can boast of having composed his Sinfonia Flamenca and Orillas, today performed by many orchestras in the world, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (Australia), the St Louis Symphony Orchestra (USA), the Russian Philarmony (Russia), the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) and the National Orchestra of Lyon (France).

Possible LINE UPs and projects:

- Juan Carmona Quartet
Line up : guitar / bass / percussion / flute + one dancer, if requested.
touring party: 6 people

- Juan Carmona Septet  
Line up : guitar / bass / percussion / flute / voice / guest dancer
touring party: 9 people

- Sinfonia Flamenca 
The fusion of two worlds: Classical music meets pure Andalusian tradition, improvisation meets meticulously composed music, and everything revolves around the essential instrument of flamenco, the guitar. The programme has already toured the world with great success with famous symphony orchestras (Sydney Orchestra / St Louis Orchestra/ Russian Philharmony/ Lyon's National Orchestra/ The Norwegian Radio Orchestra...)
Line up : Juan Carmona Septet (guest dancers and singers) + Symphony Orchestra
touring party: 9 people

- Zyriab 6.7 
A flamenco-Arabic odyssey
In this new work, for which he collaborated with iconic musicians such as Ibrahim Maalouf, Naseer Shamma, Duquende or Dorantes and many more,
Juan Carmona pays homage to the brilliant musician and polymath Ziryab and inventor of Arabic-Andalusian music. Deeply rooted in their musical roots, both artists have a modern vision of music as a bridge between cultures.
Line up : Guitar / Mandola / Flamenco - Oriental - Percussion / Flamenco + Arabic voice / Flamenco dancer / Piano
touring party: 10 people