Music Workshop: Juan Carmona

Date: Thursday, November 3, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: American Islamic College Library
Free & Open to the Public; Registration Required
No Instruments Required!

Praised by the leading figures of flamenco, Juan Carmona wanders on the air ways of the duende. At the intersection between musical modernity and the oldest and liveliest flamenco traditions of Andalusia, Juan Carmona is an innovator, one of the most valiant links of his generation.

If Juan Carmona had to write his life’s story, it might be called « La Belle Histoire », after the Claude Lelouch film in which he performed the soundtrack in 1992.

The Carmona family had emigrated from North Africa to France after being exiled in the early 1960s. Juan, born in Lyon, was only ten years old when his father gave him his first guitar. His passion for the instrument grew and his virtuosity was quickly remarked by professional musicians.

Juan’s journey as a professional guitarist next took him back to the land of his ancestors, Spain, to go back to his roots and imbibe at the Source – Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. His talent and the originality of his art were quickly recognized in this city, known as the cradle of flamenco. Read more

With the support and collaboration of American Islamic College, the Old Town School of Folk Music received a grant from the “Building Bridges” program of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. This grant supports “Ojala!” (Hopeful) — a series of residencies featuring Muslim and Muslim adjacent artists from around the globe collaboratively curated and produced with a variety of community partners. Residencies include concerts, workshops, community discussions, in-school engagements, and collaborations with Chicago artists.

About the Building Bridges Program of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art

The Building Bridges Program is the grant-making arm of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, which is an extension of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The program supports national efforts, working with U.S. Muslims, to increase mutual understanding among diverse populations for the benefit of building stronger, more inclusive communities. The mission of DDFIA is to promote the study, understanding and appreciation of Muslim arts and cultures. For more information, please visit https://www.ddcf.org/funding-areas/building-bridges/.