The festival, to be held at the Teatros del Canal, will focus on the figure of Niño Ricardo (Seville, 1904-1972), considered one of the most important flamenco guitarists in history. His artistic legacy will serve as the guiding thread for a program that will include major galas, conferences, and intimate recitals.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport, during the festival's presentation at the venue. This event is consolidating itself as one of the key dates in the flamenco calendar of the capital.
The festival's main program consists of four gala nights, each featuring a renowned guitarist who will interpret the legacy of Niño Ricardo, accompanied by prominent singers and dancers. The first gala will take place on Thursday, April 23, with Malaga-born guitarist Francisco Vinuesa, alongside Sevillian singer Ismael de la Rosa and dancer Alfonso Losa.
The following day, Friday, April 24, the stage will be for Sevillian Manolo Franco, accompanied by singer Ángeles Toledano and dancer Javier Barón. Franco, an essential figure in flamenco guitar, won the first Giraldillo del Toque at the Seville Flamenco Biennial in 1984, marking a before and after in the recognition of guitar playing as an independent artistic discipline.
On Saturday, April 25, Chicuelo will perform, a leading representative of the Catalan school of flamenco guitar, characterized by its openness to other musical languages such as jazz. He will be accompanied by singer Mayte Martín and Cadiz-born dancer Juan Tomás de la Molía. The musical closing will be on Sunday, April 26, with Cordoba-born guitarist José Antonio Rodríguez, Professor of Flamenco Guitar at the Córdoba Conservatory, who will be joined by singer Carmen Linares and dancer Marco Flores.
In addition to the galas, the festival will offer a parallel program in the Sala Negra, dedicated to the life and work of Niño Ricardo. This will include round tables, presentations, and concerts that will allow the public to delve deeper into his figure. On Tuesday, April 21, this part of the program will begin with the round table “Niño Ricardo. El Ricardismo,” moderated by a journalist and writer, with the participation of a writer and producer, a researcher, and two guitarists, one of whom is a direct disciple of Niño Ricardo. After the debate, Sevillian guitarists José and Joselito Acedo, father and son, will perform.
Wednesday, April 22, will be dedicated to the conference “Life and Work of Niño Ricardo,” given by a researcher, followed by a recital by Alicante-born guitarist Alejandro Hurtado. On Thursday, April 23, a writer and producer will give the presentation “The Artistic Footprint of Niño Ricardo,” with a concert by Sevillian artist Rafael Rodríguez as the culmination of the day.
