Alba Heredia y Ricardo Fernández del Moral

Alba Heredia, dancing

Alba Heredia (Granada, 1995) is a dancer born in Sacromonte and belonging to the legendary Maya family. Niece of Juan Andrés Maya and great-niece of Mario Maya and Manolete, she grew up in the La Rocío flamenco cave, where the art of flamenco forms part of everyday life. She began dancing at the age of just four and made her debut in 1999 at a tribute to her uncle, Juan Maya Marote, on the same bill as artists like Niña Pastori and José Mercé. She trained with figures like Rafaela Carrasco, Belén Maya and Iván Vargas and has performed at tablaos and festivals in Granada, Seville and Madrid, as well as at international venues. In 2015 she won the Desplante Award at Las Minas International Singing Festival. Her dancing combines the strength passed down to her in Sacromonte with a refined technique and an irresistible temperament.

Ricardo Fernández del Moral, guitar and singing

Ricardo Fernández del Moral (Ciudad Real, 1974) is an unusual artist on the current flamenco scene recognised for his exceptional skill at singing and on guitar and for accompanying himself in a natural way, with deep expressiveness. He began his musical studies at the age of eight in Daimiel and, at 14, he was already performing as official guitarist in flamenco clubs in Castile-La Mancha. In 2012, he achieved a milestone, winning the Lámpara Minera and five awards for different styles at Las Minas International Singing Festival, an unprecedented achievement. Since then, he has performed at venues like the Teatro Real, the Jerez Festival, the Seville Biennial and on international tours, such as Authentic Flamenco. His record, Yo solo (2014) reflects his artistic personality: depth, elegance, sense of melody and great knowledge of rhythm.

Las Minas International Singing Festival, held at La Unión since 1961, is considered the biggest flamenco event in the world. The great figures of the genre have performed on its iconic stage and it has been the launch pad for many talents through awards like the Lámpara Minera, the Bordón and the Desplante. Under the management of Las Minas Singing Foundation since 2010, the festival works to preserve, publicise and promote flamenco, paying special attention to miners’ songs. For ten days every August, the festival brings together artists, experts and audiences from all over the world and has become established beyond doubt as the leading event in the flamenco world.