Pictures: Angshuman Majumdar

He has studied flamenco and classical guitar in Spain, Israel and England and is inspired by gypsies. Before his Siddha Calcutta International Classical Guitar Festival & Competition performance (presented by Bickram Ghosh and hosted by Calcutta Classical Guitar Society), at ICCR on December 21, Adam del Monte, who has recorded for Deutsche Grammophon, spoke to t2.

How much of your music is from the heart and how much of it is about technique?

(Laughs) It’s all from the heart. But one needs to master the technique to keep it tight. I would say 80 per cent is composed and 20 per cent is impromptu.

Any musician or writer who inspires you?

Actually everybody. From Bach to Beethoven, Zakir Hussain to Ravi Shankar. There is something to learn from everybody. Also Paco de Lucia and Camaron de la Isla are a favourite.

Speaking of Paco de Lucia, as a flamenco guitarist how much of an influence has he been?

A big influence on my life and music. He has set the tone for a modern path towards flamenco.

In what ways have the events in your early life in Israel and then Spain shaped your playing style?

It has influenced me greatly; not so much Israel but Spain. It has influenced my outlook, culture and identity, helping me lend a strong sense of flavour to my music. In Spain, I lived with gypsies and that gave me a strong foundation in flamenco.

Are there stories behind your tunes?

Every song is influenced by something. The piece Aires Portenos has been influenced by my travels to Argentina. It has more Argentine influences than flamenco.

Any tips for young guitarists?

Be committed and dedicated. Give your life to the instrument and you will be rewarded in abundance.

Three favourite albums…

1. Fuente y caudal by Paco de Lucia

2. Te lo Dice Camaron by Camaro de la Isla (with Tomatito)

3. Kind of Blue by Miles Davis.

In just three years and with only four editions, the festival has put Calcutta on the world map of music. Musicians and music lovers from almost all parts of the world now dream of coming here for the festival. In 2014, the festival will become bigger and the first-ever India International Music Expo will be attached to it. Three mega concerts featuring artistes who can fill stadiums will be held.

       Avik Saha, founder of Calcutta Classical Guitar Society, and festival director

It’s quite remarkable that a festival like this was organised where the focus was on real music and musicians. We hardly get to see such guitar festivals in town and kudos to Avik for supporting and organising a fest that brought together musicians from all over the world.

       Amyt Datta, guitarist