The Camaron Museum highlights the island's guitar through an exhibition.
The photographic exhibition “Guitarists of La Isla” showcases 29 guitarists from San Fernando through the camera of Juan Antonio Sánchez Bernal.
From November 21st to January 14th, the photographic exhibition “Guitarists of La Isla” will be on display on the first floor of the Camarón de la Isla Interpretation Center, affectionately known as the Camarón Museum. While the exhibition is open to the public, we also highly recommend visiting the wonderful Camarón de la Isla Museum.
In the current flamenco scene of Isla Cristina, its guitarists are undoubtedly the most prominent. One of the key figures responsible for this is guitarist and luthier Rafael Romero, who represents the link between traditional and modern guitar playing in our city, as well as being a leading figure in the teaching of this beautiful instrument. Over time, his skillful work has contributed to the emergence of a new generation of guitarists, placing Isla Cristina at the forefront of flamenco guitar. Many of these guitarists play with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Jesús Guerrero, who accompanies Miguel Poveda; Manuel Urbina, who plays with Niña Pastori; and El Pelu, currently the guitarist for El Barrio, who was also once the guitarist for Juani de La Isla. One of these guitarists, Adriano Lozano, composed the current music for ALL. FLAMENCO.
The day of FlamencoThis has been the perfect occasion to inaugurate the "Guitarists of La Isla" project, an unprecedented photographic exhibition showcasing twenty-nine guitarists from La Isla from different eras in various locations around the city, including Rafael Romero's workshop and the Era Art Gallery. The photographs are by Juan A. Bernal, who has captured magical moments that are now part of our flamenco history.
Below is a brief description of each of the 29 guitarists featured in the "Guitarists of La Isla" exhibition.
Rafael Romero
Considered a pioneer of the new island guitar school. Chano de las Flores and Rafael Escudier were his teachers. He began playing at age 12 and soon began accompanying... cante and to dancing. He was a guitarist for the Concha Baras and Pepa dance academies. PeñaHe began his teaching career by giving lessons to guitarists Víctor Rosa, Juan Manuel Fernández, and Juani de La Isla, who would go on to train the next generation of guitarists. In 1985, he began building guitars, eventually becoming one of the most highly regarded guitar makers today.
Ramón de La Isla
The most outstanding guitarist of his time, he began his guitar studies under Rafael Escudier and Capinetti. A regular at the Tertulia Flamenca (Flamenco Gathering), he accompanied, among others, Chato de La Isla, Perro de Paterna, Aguilar de Vejer, and even... CamarónHe was one of the first guitarists from the islands to perform abroad and appear on television programs, where he accompanied Niño del Parque and Paquito de La Isla. He recorded two albums, one with Perro de Paterna and the other with Aguilar de Vejer.
Victor Rosa
He was Rafael Romero's first student to turn professional. He accompanied Sara Baras in her early career and Niña Pastori. A regular at competitions in cante as official guitarist. In his extensive professional career he has worked with India Martínez, David DeMaría, Marifé de Triana, Manzanita, Antonio Canales, Vanesa Martín and many more.
Adriano Lozano
At age 12, he began taking lessons from Ramón de La Isla, and years later, he received technical advice from Manolo Sanlúcar. At age 15, he debuted at La Tertulia Flamenca as the official guitarist for all ten editions of its national competition. canteSince then, he has collaborated extensively with artists such as Niña Pastori, José Merced, Antonio Lizana, Pasión Vega, Javier Ruibal, among many others.
John Manuel Fernandez
He was one of Rafael Romero's first students. He continued his training with José Luis Balao in Jerez and with José A. Rodríguez in Córdoba. He made his professional debut at the age of 15. After accompanying countless artists, he presented his first work, Guerrero. He combines his artistic activity with teaching at his own school, "Guitarra Flamenca de Cádiz" (Flamenco Guitar of Cádiz).
Juani de la Isla
A student of Rafael Romero, he continued his training with Manolo de Sanlúcar and spent time in Morón de la Frontera. He is the son of the flamenco singer Aguilar de Vejer, from whom he learned everything about the world of flamenco. canteChato de La Isla, José Merced, Juan Villar, Sara Baras, and many others are some of the artists he has worked with. For many years, he was the guitarist and musical director of El Barrio. He currently lives and works in the USA, where he is admired and respected as one of the greats.
Gabino Pérez
A student of Ramón de La Isla, he completed his training in Jerez with Manuel Lozano “El Carbonero”. He played at the academies of Concha Baras and Carmen and Pepa. PeñaHe was one of the first guitarists to accompany Sara Baras and Niña Pastori. He even shared the stage with the great... Camarón.
Manolo García
One of the cornerstones of flamenco guitar instruction in La Isla. He has taught Manuel Urbina, Daniel Ramírez, Dani Bommatti, Paco Fontao, Javi Martín, and many other young people from La Isla.
Jesus Guerrero
A student of Víctor Rosa, he completed his training in Jerez. He showed great talent from a very young age. In Seville, he worked in flamenco venues and quickly gained recognition. Miguel Poveda, Niña Pastori, Marina Heredia, Carmen Linares, Farruquito, and Eva La Yerbabuena are some of the artists he has collaborated with. In 2016, he recorded his first solo album, "Calma," and in 2025, he released "Ofrenda" with Alba Carmona.
Nico Cotariella
A guitarist from the Las Callejuelas neighborhood, he began playing with José Baizán “El Lagarto” and José Armario “Lete.” In the neighborhood bars, he started accompanying Paquito de La Isla, El Niño del Parque, and Pijote. In dance, he collaborated from the beginning with the Marisma and Cumbre Flamenca Academies. Founding member of the Peña from Chato de La Isla.
Jaime de La Isla
She took some classes with Juani de La Isla. She started in the flamenco choirs of the city and soon began collaborating with the dance academy of Lucía Moreno and Carmen. PeñaHe participates in Javier Marín's show Paquiro, making the leap to the international level. He accompanies cante and to dance with countless artists. Regular guitarist for David Nieto's company and indispensable collaborator in flamenco venues. Flamenco of La Cava and La Cueva.
Manuel Lucas
A student of Rafael Romero. At 15, he began accompanying dancers in academies. He was one of the founders of Maíta vende cá. As a studio musician, he has worked on albums by Chano Lobato, Pastora Soler, Alejandro Sanz, Raphael, and David Bisbal, among others. With his wife, the flamenco dancer Milagros Ventura, he teaches courses nationally and internationally.
Monk Hair
Nephew of Camarón From La Isla, he grew up listening flamenco He plays guitar daily. A student of Rafael Romero, he began playing guitar at age 12. He accompanied dancers at the Concha Baras Academy. He has accompanied flamenco singers such as Juan Villar, Rancapino, Rancapino Chico, Diego el Cigala, Niña Pastori, and most recently, El Barrio.
Manuel Urbina
He learned to play from his father. He began his formal training with Manolo García and Juani de La Isla. A child prodigy on the guitar, he quickly made the leap to professional playing. He played with Antonio Rey and from there with the greatest musicians. Currently, he is Niña Pastori's guitarist.
Faluki from the Island
His first teacher was his father, Faluco. He continued his studies with Juan Manuel Fernández, with whom he began his career in show business, and has worked continuously with musicians and artists of the caliber of La Barbería del Sur, El Barrio, Cherokee, Canelita, Alonso Rancapino, Antonio Reyes, María Carrasco, Jesús Castilla, El Capullo de Jerez, Pepe de Lucía, La Susi, Diego del Morao, and Vicente Amigo, among others. He currently performs as an artistic duo with Toñi Romero.
David Cuevas
A student of Manuel Jero “Jerito”, Carbonero, and Balao, he has focused his musical career on composition, working with publishers such as Warner, Sony, and Universal. He has composed for Andy y Lucas and María Carrasco. He currently lives and works in Dubai.
Antonio Carrillo placeholder image
He started with David Cuevas and focused his career on music production and sound engineering. He has his own recording studio where he has worked with Yerai Blanco, Mesalla, Javier Belizón, and Antoñito Molina, among others.
Javi de Carmen
A student of Rafael Romero since the age of 8, he obtained his professional degree from the Conservatory. Today, he combines live performance, teaching, and work as a session musician.
Manuel Bommatti
He began his musical training at a young age with Professor Luis Páez. He later explored the world of jazz thanks to guitarist Nono García and completed his professional classical guitar studies at the Manuel de Falla Conservatory with the renowned professor Mercedes Rodríguez Carmona. Currently, he continues his studies with Professor Félix Santos.
Daniel Bommatti
A multifaceted artist who combines the art of the guitar with voice, composition, and performance. His training began with his father and guitarist Manolo García. He continued studying with Román Vicenti, Roberto Sabater, Luis Balaguer, and Miguel Aragón, among others, and later received a scholarship from the Cristina Heeren Foundation. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of accompanying artists such as Alejandro Sanz (at the Latin Grammy Awards).
Daniel Ramirez
He began playing guitar at age 13 under the tutelage of Manolo García and later with Juan Manuel Fernández. He is currently studying at the Rafael Orozco Higher Conservatory of Music in Córdoba. In 2017, he joined the flamenco company of Jerez-born dancer Antonio El Pipa, performing in numerous theaters around the world.
Javi Martin
He began his studies with Manolo García, who prepared him to enroll in the conservatory, where he obtained his professional degree in flamenco guitar. He has performed as a soloist, accompanying... cante and dance flamenco, touring nationally and internationally.
Tito Lara
Alberto Lara Márquez began studying guitar at the age of eight at the conservatory. He earned professional degrees in both classical and flamenco guitar. Some of his flamenco guitar teachers have included El Balao, Luis Balaguer, and José Gálvez. He has released two albums: "Noctámbulo," recorded in 2019 with his quintet. flamenco jazz and «Gea», his second album released in 2024.
Jesús Lebrero “Urri”
A self-taught musician, he began playing guitar at a very young age in flamenco venues and peñayes, accompanying renowned singers and the greatest: Rocío Jurado in Chipiona.
Juan Carlos Valverde
Also known as Carlos the Policeman, due to his profession. He began at age 10 with Manolo Varga and Ramón de La Isla. With his coworker Salvador Lucas, he resumed his classes with Rafael Romero. Honorary member of La Peña del Chato, stands out for accompanying the cante The countless island singers, among whom the sadly departed Rafael Vargas stood out.
Paco Fontao
He began his career under the tutelage of his grandfather. He continued with Manolo García, with whom he spent eight years completing his training. In Jerez, he learned from Paco Cepero, Diego Amaya, and Niño Jero. He has worked with Maíta vende cá, María Montilla, Canelita, La Húngara, Antonio Cortés, and many others.
José Manuel Clavaín
She began her training with Manuel Jero “Jerito”, Juani de la Isla, and Jesús “El Guardia” in Jerez, taking courses in dance accompaniment with the latter two. She has worked with the Solera (Marisa Sainz) and Marisma (Sonia and Pepa) academies. Peña) and Enchantment Flamenco (Lucia Moreno). I have shared the stage with Jesús Castilla, Susana Romero, Joaquín de Sola, Carmen La Shica, etc.
Javi Mota
Guitarist from Chiclana, although very closely linked to flamenco From the island. He began with Juani de La Isla, continuing his training in Chiclana and Jerez. He has been the official guitarist of the Peña Camarón from the Island, of the Peña Flamenca Chiclanera and from Peña The Chato from La Isla.
Carlos cano
He started playing guitar at 16 with his father, Nono Cano, and also with Juan Manuel Fernández. From the age of 20 he began playing with bands. flamenco fusion. He doesn't play guitar professionally, but it's what he enjoys every day.
And the photographer, its creator, Juan Antonio Sánchez Bernal
Born in Cádiz 35 years ago, he began to take a serious interest in film at the age of 17, which led him to study Audiovisual Communication at the University of Seville. At that time, photography occupied a secondary place for him, conceived as a complement to mastering the audiovisual language.
After finishing his studies, he tried to make his way in the audiovisual field, working on various short films and a few feature films as a camera operator, editor, assistant director, and in other roles. In 2015, he had his first experience in press photography, covering the vacation of the Diario de Cádiz photographer in San Fernando. This assignment sparked his interest in a branch of photography that had not previously caught his attention: Flamenco Photography.
In recent years, he has established himself in press photography, working for the San Fernando City Council between 2021 and 2023 and covering various events for the Diario de Cádiz newspaper. Simultaneously, he has combined this work with camera operator jobs for television programs such as España Directo, broadcasts of First Division RFEF matches, and races at the Jerez Circuit, among others.
Since 2023 he has worked as a photographer and videographer for the San Fernando City Council.
From November 21th to January 14th
Exhibition “Guitarists of La Isla” by Juan Antonio Sánchez Bernal
Interpretation Center Camarón from the island
San Fernando (Cadiz)
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