Blanca-Olalla Altable, born in Burgos (Spain) in 1984, is a prominent figure in the Castilian contemporary folk music scene. Renowned for her rhythmic, eloquent, passionate, and emotional violin style, she has cultivated a distinctive sound that is intimate, deep, joyful, and subtle.
Furthermore, her contribution to popular violin extends beyond convention, marked by a creative vision that involves rescuing the dulzaina repertoire of her grandfather, Simón Altable, and adapting it to the violin. In addition to this, she composes original pieces under both traditional and non-traditional rhythms, effectively deconstructing folklore. Her curiosity and musical eclecticism led her to embrace new technologies like effect pedals and loop stations, resulting in a unique compositional aesthetic; experimental minimalist folk music coupled with improvisational development where intuition plays a pivotal role.
Blanca Altable’s deconstruction of Castilian music has given rise to various musical projects highlighting her versatility, including Blanca Altable & Chuchi Alcuadrado; Cira Qu; the violin duo CastellanAs; and the captivating visual and sound show “Somos Polvo.”
Her first recordings were collaborations with Chuchi Alcuadrado (also known as Chuchi²), Mayo (2011) and Tyto Alba (2016).
Next came the ensemble Cira Qu, composed Blanca Altable (violin and vocals), Zulaima Boheto (cello and vocals), Blanca Agudo (percussion and vocals) and Jesús Parra (guitar and vocals). They presented their show in 2013 and recorded their first self-titled album, Cira Qu, in 2015 at the Arco del Valle studios with Andrés Vázquez Archdale.
In 2021, Blanca released her first solo album, also titled Somos Polvo. Throughout her illustrious career, Blanca Altable has received numerous awards, including the national prize from INJUVE (Spanish Youth Institute) in 2010 for the best performance of traditional music. Furthermore, she has represented Spain at the 32nd EBU Folk Festival in Croatia and collaborated with AECID, touring Africa and working with musicians from Kenya, South Africa, Seychelles, and Sudan.
Taking advantage of educational opportunities, Blanca Altable participated in the Jóvenes Excellentes program of the Caja de Burgos Foundation, learning from internationally renowned musicians in California and New York. Beyond her musical endeavors, she dedicates her professional life to teaching the violin from a traditional and creative perspective. In 2009, she co-founded the non-profit educational project “Crisol de Cuerda Tradicional,” a unique intergenerational violin camp in Arlanzón, Burgos.
Blanca Altable’s commitment to music extends to collaborations in various artistic projects and performances worldwide. Her studio work includes collaborations with artists like VocalizÁfrica, Nélida Karr, Marcela Morelo, Vallarna, and many more. Furthermore, she actively engages with environmental and social causes, using her music as a tool to raise awareness about current issues.
In 2023, she released here second solo album, Las Formas del Agua.
Blanca Altable’s expressive terrain lies in folklore, drawing inspiration from diverse traditions to create a universal folk music that transcends boundaries.
(headline image: Blanca Altable – Photo by Omitsu Issey)
Discography
Mayo, with Chuchi² (2011)
Tyto Alba, with Chuchi² (2016)
Cira Qu, with Cira Qu (2016)
Silencio (2021)
Somos Polvo (2021)
Niño del Invierno (2023)
Las Formas del Agua (2023)
Author: Iliana Cabrera
