Pedro Jesús Luna (La Luisiana, 1998) has been awarded the first prize in the 2023 Accompaniment Guitar Flamenco Talent Contest, organized by the Cristina Heeren Foundation, in collaboration with ACCIONA and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport of the Junta de Andalucía. The contest was also supported by the Andalusian Agency of Cultural Institutions (AAIC), the Municipal Institute of Performing Arts of the Córdoba City Council (IMAE), Córdoba Guitar Festival 2023, Posada del Potro – Centro Flamenco Fosforito, and the Joly Group.
The Accompaniment Guitar final, which was filled with emotion, talent, and enthusiasm from the participants, provided the audience with a magnificent show. José Ángel Castillo Díaz (Badajoz, 1999) received the second prize, while Gabriel González Tapia (Madrid, 1994) secured the third prize.
Apart from the winners, the contest jury also awarded the ACCIONA Scholarships associated with the contest. These scholarships were granted to José Quevedo Ruiz-Verdejo “Bolita Hijo” (Jerez de la Frontera, 2004) and Pedro Jesús Luna.
The final of the Accompaniment Guitar contest, hosted by journalist Rafael Cortegana at the Posada del Potro – Centro Flamenco Fosforito, was attended and greeted by Cristina Heeren, the president of the Fundación Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco. During her speech, Cristina Heeren emphasized the significance of the Córdoba Guitar Festival and expressed her gratitude to ACCIONA for their continued support in making the contest possible year after year.
Alberto Marina, the director of ACCIONA Zona Sur’s Construction department, spoke about ACCIONA’s close ties with Andalusia and expressed pride in collaborating for seven years to provide opportunities for artists starting their careers through these competitions. Almudena Bocanegra, the Manager of the Andalusian Agency for Cultural Institutions (AAIC) of the Junta de Andalucía, also attended the event and thanked the Cristina Heeren Foundation, particularly its president, for the work and opportunities they offer to aspiring artists in the current flamenco scene.
The first prize was presented by Almudena Bocanegra herself, while Cristina Heeren awarded the second prize. Gabriel Duque Moreno, the Provincial Deputy of the Cordoba Provincial Council, presented the third prize. Manuel Díaz Cuerva and Alberto Marina from ACCIONA Zona Sur awarded the two scholarships provided by the company.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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