The closing of ‘Sonanta 11’, Tomatito's master class, took place at the Museum of Spanish Guitar ‘Antonio de Torres’ in Almería, establishing itself as a prominent event of the University of Almería's Summer Courses. The intensive three-day workshop, held from July 13th to 15th, has positioned Almería as a hub for flamenco guitar, drawing both national and international students.
Carmen Hernández Porcel, the course director, described this year's edition as a success, noting an increase in participants to 32. She highlighted the loyalty of returning students alongside the arrival of new talents, with 50% repeat attendees and 50% new ones, fostering the event's growth.
The course's appeal extends beyond borders, attracting participants who travel long distances. Hernández shared an anecdote about an Australian attendee who, despite being unable to bring his guitar, has returned for the fourth time. Participants have described their experience as “astonished” and “impacted” by the artists' mastery.
Tomatito expressed his delight in sharing his experience in his hometown, emphasizing the enthusiasm of the young guitarists. The maestro enjoys direct interaction with students, who request to learn falsetas from his albums. He underscored the advantage of in-person learning, which allows for learning by ear and enjoying the complete experience in Almería.
The course was marked by an atmosphere of closeness and camaraderie. Participants aimed to absorb as much knowledge as possible from Tomatito, who mentioned that students often ask for falsetas from his recordings. He also noted the benefits of in-person training, allowing attendees to enjoy the beaches and cuisine of Almería.
This year's edition featured a diverse range of artistic profiles, including a singer (cantaor) and a dancer (bailador). The high collective satisfaction of ‘Sonanta 11’ reaffirms the cultural and educational value of authentic flamenco at the University of Almería.
