Singer Israel Fernández and guitarist Diego del Morao have performed Ópera Flamenca, a classic 20th-century flamenco recital.
The brilliant and deep flamenco of the cantaor Israel Fernández with the touch of Diego del Morao has been the protagonist of last Saturday, August 19. lamenca was performed at the Santander International Festival while Israel was featured in a lifestyle publication with very similar objectives. That is, his particular claim of flamenco roots.
For this, the period between the mid-1920s and 1950s is his greatest source of inspiration. Following the philosophy of this stage, Israel approaches some of his references, passing them through his very accentuated personality, such as Camarón de la Isla or Morente. Because this cantaor has the ability to refresh the old without losing that traditional aroma. Diego, on the other hand, is able to provide the accompaniment to cante with numerous new elements. The two take us on a journey through time full of new colors through the golden age of flamenco singing. The very careful stage direction has been by the dancer and choreographer from Malaga Herminia Navas.
The flamenco singer Israel Fernandez, author of the trendy flamenco album, Pura Sangre, is the man chosen by Elle for its pages on Andalusian talent. El titular de su reportaje es toda una sentencia: “Si renuncias a las raíces, pierdes la identidad. Lo esencial es ser tú, no un nuevo rico”.
The cantaor Israel Fernández and Diego del Morao: the new dream flamenco couple
This is what the IX Flamenco Biënnale (Netherlands) has called them both, and it is clear that they are right. Together with Diego del Morao, Israel has formed a couple of those who have mimbres to go down in the history of flamenco for their continuous contributions.
Diego is considered today by many as the most important and influential guitarist of his time, which is why together with Israel he has formed a perfect tandem with which he constantly plays to improvise melodically and rhythmically in each live, something that makes each concert different.
The cante of Israel Fernández is defined as a confluence of all that treasure that the great geniuses of flamenco bequeathed to us, seasoned with the interpretative and creative freshness that the artist brings to everything he plays.
Who is Israel Fernández?
Israel Fernández was born in 1989 into a gypsy family of Andalusian origins settled in Corral de Almaguer (Toledo). His environment and culture soon awaken in him that innate musical gift and love for flamenco. From a very young age, he began to stand out for his amazing qualities, winning his first television contest at age 11 (Your big day, TVE). Since then, he has not stopped growing in all aspects, being considered today one of the most important flamenco interpreters.
Currently, he has 5 albums on the market.
» With Love (2020) has achieved the number 7 position in sales in its second week of release, the nomination for Best Flamenco Album at the Latin Grammys and the industry award (Odeon) for best flamenco album.
“One of his singles, La inocencia, with El Guincho and Diego del Morao, has been nominated for best flamenco song at the Odeon Awards.
“GQ magazine included him in its list of the 21 most promising musicians on the planet. He is one of the few Spaniards to record for the international platform Colors.