Interview with Carlos Piñana

In a week, the Summer Guitar Course Krzyżowa 2013 will begin, where participants will be trained under the guidance of guitar virtuosos like Carlos Piñana. This lover of Poland from Cartagena will be sharing his passion for flamenco music with students between July 26 and August 3, and will also perform at the final concert.


Before the Course, we encourage you to read the interview with this outstanding guitarist.

1. You come from a family with flamenco traditions. Your first teacher was your own father. What kind of teacher was he?

My father was very strict with me. He always wanted me to play flamenco guitar concerts. It was his goal, which he finally achieved. He was an excellent teacher because he always knew what steps to take to create a soloist: technique, harmony, rhythm, style, discipline, and above all, an open mind to new musical experiences in flamenco.

2. Although, as we mentioned, your family was involved in flamenco, you eventually decided to start studying classical guitar. Why did you make that decision?

Because it was the perfect complement to my education as a flamenco guitarist. Classical music gives you a special technique that you can later use for flamenco guitar. In the end, that is my style: mixing classical and flamenco.

3. Nevertheless, flamenco has always been your vocation. Can we say that you carry it in your blood?

Definitely yes.

4. Currently, it seems that few young people are interested in the traditions of their land. Moreover, the authorities do not help them in this, as there are very few schools in Poland where traditional music can be learned. What is the situation in Spain? Is flamenco popular among young Spaniards?

Yes, very much so. Here we have conservatories, private schools, foundations where flamenco is taught. It is part of our folk culture, which we care deeply about.

5. In your Body&Soul project, dance and music create a whole, meaning that body and soul make up a person. Isn't it true that music alone cannot fully convey human feelings and emotions?

Music moves humanity, we could not live without music. It is the key to the feelings and emotions we carry inside.

6. Another of your creative projects is the Flamenco Mass created with the Curro brothers. Did the idea for this work come from the heart's need or were you also inspired by such initiatives among the faithful?

Both from the heart's need and from the initiatives of the faithful. It is a project that we created together, with love and passion.

7. The Summer Guitar Course in Krzyżowej is approaching, where you will not only give master classes but also perform in front of the audience. Which of these tasks seems more difficult to you?

Both are equally difficult. You have to be able to play in front of an audience, but you also have to be a good teacher. I like both of these activities, that's what I do.

8. You have been to Poland before, but every journey, even to the same place, is different. What do you expect from your stay in our country?

Poland is like my second home. I love this country, the people, the landscapes, the food, and above all, that the audience is a faithful lover of flamenco. Poland is one of my favorite countries!

9. What are your plans after the Course?

I will continue my concerts in Spain, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and then I will return to Poland...