Flamenco guitarist Marcos de Silvia from Jerez had an early passion for guitar. At just 8 years old, he embarked on a journey of learning the flamenco guitar under the guidance of professor Eusebio López.
In 2018, Marcos had the honor of performing at a tribute concert dedicated to maestro José Luis Balao in the historic Alcázar de Jerez. This event marked a pivotal moment in his musical journey and introduced him to the renowned guitarist Paco Cepero, from whom he received invaluable advice and intensive master classes.
Venturing beyond his hometown, Marcos traveled to Denmark in 2019 to collaborate with Kristine Hastrup and took part in the vibrant Flamenco Zambomba of the Tío José de Paula peña. These experiences not only broadened his musical horizons but also introduced him to the global flamenco community.
The year 2020 brought new dimensions to Marcos’s musical education. He began receiving individualized guidance from Santiago Lara. He also attended the XXVI International Jazz Seminar (Sedajazz) in Valencia, delving into harmony and jazz under the tutelage of Ivan Cebrián and Chema Vilches.
In 2021, Marcos’s artistic endeavors included starring in a documentary by maestro Jorge Pardo and performing at the V Granada International Guitar Festival. He also participated in events like the Kriatura International Flamenco Festival, displaying his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Marcos’s skills extended beyond guitar. He accompanied the talented bailaora Daniela la Soleá, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend his guitar skills with dance performances. Notable collaborations included the Baluarte de Cádiz Flamenco Contest and the International Flamenco Day Flashmob.
Marcos’s dedication bore fruit when he won the Flamenco Guitar Talent Contest for singing and dancing accompaniment at the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville. His remarkable achievements led to high-profile appearances, such as inaugurating the 55th Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez and participating in the XXX Tribute Tribute to Camarón in San Fernando.
In 2023, Marcos’s journey continued with a scholarship at the Fundación Flamenca Cristina Heeren, underscoring his commitment to constant improvement. His formative years included masterclasses with influential musicians like Gerardo Núñez, Diego del Morao, Antonio Rey, Rafael Riqueni, Moisés Sánchez, and Iván Cebrián, demonstrating his thirst for knowledge and skill enhancement.
(headline image: Marcos de Silvia – Photo by JG Latorre)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.