Meet Adam Del Monte | Flamenco and classical guitarist/composer/teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Del Monte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Having grown up in SPain, England, Germany, Holland and Israel, I have always considered myself to be mostly European and Israeli in nature. I never thought I would ever end up in the United States. Taking the plunge to decide that I would move with my whole family to Los Angeles took a lot of courage to leave everything I knew behind and cross the Altlantic into a new world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a flamenco Classical Guitars to composer. I have dedicated my life to mastering two very different styles of music, both technically and philosophically, namely, the classical guitar, and the flamenco guitar. Since the Classical Guitars is a discipline. Western academic framework, flamenco, guitar, and music, or a way of life and an oral tradition, it is it has been my passion and mission to bridge the gap between the two both in my technique, repertoire and composition. So far, I have written two flamenco guitar concertos for guitar and orchestra, which I have performed with great orchestras, such as the Boston, Modern Orchestra Project, the Moscow State symphony, the Simone Bolivar, orchestra, etc. However, the achievement, I am most proud of is the composing of my flamenco opera, Llantos, 1492, which was recently premiered with Opera Southwest in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the national Hispanic Center for the arts.

Passion and perseverance is the only way to overcome challenges on road blocks, whether external or internal. Having your goal defined and being unwavering in the face of difficulties is key. Not having any other option is also a strong motivator..

Throughout my life I have learned the importance of humility and adaptability being the key to progress and never stopping to learn.

My main goal and mission towards the outside world is to move and touch people on a deep level and have the opportunity to share in the discovery of new artistic realms and realities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not the kind of person who hangs out a lot, I prefer hiking and being in nature, mountains and beach. Los Angeles being isolating as it is I spend most of my time in my world playing my guitar and composing. I love going on walks with my dog and being with my family.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I certainly owe a lot to my father. I put the guitar in my hands. It was my first teacher. Also having lived among the Gitanos in the sacrament in Granada, Spain, which, as a community taught me and gave me the first opportunity to perform. My most important mentor from the community is maestro Pepe Habichuela.

Website: https://adamdelmonte.com

Instagram: admdelmonte

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Youtube: Adam del Monte

Image Credits
Photo by Betty Grace Minor