Miguel de la Bastide

Miguel de la Bastide has been involved with flamenco for over 25 years. He is one of the few guitarists outside of Spain, who has mastered the techniques and the knowledge of the flamenco guitar. An incredible soloist, he also excels as an accompanist and as a composer. He possesses a rare combination of explosive technique with a unique sensitivity to the flamenco dance and song. A native of San Fernando, Trinidad, Miguel immigrated to Canada at the age of eighteen and began an intensive study of flamenco. In 1992, he joined forces with Carmen Romero as Music Director for Canada's premier flamenco company, The Candela Flamenca Dance & Music Ensemble, recently renamed, Compañia Carmen Romero. Since then he has become a recipient of the prestigious Chalmers Award and the Toronto Arts Council Award. He is also the first flamenco guitarist to be invited on staff at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Over the past decade, Miguel has performed extensively with Compañia Carmen Romero, and as a solo artist, in North America, Europe and Asia. In 1996, Miguel was the first in North America to be featured with some of Spain's most respected flamenco guitarists on the CD compilation entitled Flamenco Fire and Grace by NARADA . The following year, he contributed to another compilation entitled Gypsy Passion and, in 1998, was included on Gypsy Soul, also by NARADA. Later that same year, he released his long-awaited solo album, EL CAMBIO, to rave reviews, followed by a video of the same name, which was picked up by BRAVO-TV. In spring of 2000, his music appeared on NARADA's Gypsy Fire and in the fall, Viva Flamenco. Other CDs that Miguel's work can be found are on Narada World, Narada Showcase Collection, Narada Guitar: 15 Years of Collected Works and Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar. Miguel's music has been used for television commercials in Spain and his guitar artistry can also be heard in the world-released television series Queen of Swords. Two-and-a-half years went into Miguel's much anticipated second solo album entitled "SIENTO". A completely original work, this album sets new standards in composition, performance and production. Miguel's mastery of the guitar, and of the art form, is evident from the first note played through to the last. Lightning fast runs, flawless timing, striking melodies and unique arrangements, all combined to take flamenco to another level, you just have to take a listen! Carmen Romero had been directing her own professional dance group since 1986 under the name Candela Flamenca. The group performed in community festivals and private functions. In 1992, Miguel de la Bastide joined forces with Carmen Romero as Music director. Together they created a dance and music ensemble at which time the company became established as Carmen Romero & The Candela Flamenca Dance & Music Ensemble. New sights were projected for the company steering towards presenting their work in theatre venues and to develop a touring company. Three years later after receiving project grants from The Toronto Arts Council and the Laidlaw Foundation, "El Embrujo" (The Bewitched) was to be the company's first major theatre production. El Embrujo played in October 1995 at the Hart House Theatre for two nights that quickly turned into three, as the show sold out two days before opening. El Embrujo played to over 1800 people in three days. Since El Embrujo a great deal had changed. Miguel de la Bastide received the prestigious Chalmers Award and Carmen Romero was awarded a Canada Council grant. Both awards went towards extensive studies of flamenco dance and guitar in Madrid, Spain at the Amor de Dios Studio. Upon their return to Canada in 1996 Carmen and Miguel began to change the company structure to include a six piece band and five resident dancers. The changes reflected yet a new image and identity by which they have become known for in the past two years. Their most recent work that represents their new claim to fame is "Flamenco de Ayer y Hoy" (Flamenco of Yesterday & Today). Presented as a world premier at the Dance Works Main Stage Series at the du Maurier Theatre Centre. Another sold out performance that encompassed original works depicting the history of flamenco dance and music from the 18th Century to their conception of the 21st Century. At present day the company has toured in Canada, United States, Europe, Asia and has in its repertoire four different performance formats. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.