Kenney Elkomous
Classical Guitarist
A VIBRANT COMMUNITY OF MUSICIANS
The Classical and Flamenco Guitar in New Mexico
The New Mexican landscape has inspired artists for centuries, from the designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Spanish colonizers and Native Americans 400 to 700 years ago at Albuquerque's Petroglyph National Monument, to Georgia O'Keeffe's landscape paintings near her home in Abiquiu. Likewise, the performing arts are alive and well here. Anchored by prestigious institutions such as Guitar New Mexico and Flamenco Works, these organizations provide several opportunities year-round for people of all ages and abilities to experience healing and joy through classical and flamenco music.
While no one would blame me for focusing more on the achievements of my own career in the arts and culture sector (especially on my own website!), I feel that the work of organizations like Guitar New Mexico and Flamenco Works deserve special mention, particularly for their New Mexican-sized heart! Organizations like these have shown the world that there's more to high art than formal concerts in stuffy recital halls. This music can be part of the fabric of our daily lives!
Guitar New Mexico adult guitar ensemble performing at the Travel Bug in Santa Fe, 2019.
Wherever you go in New Mexico, from Hobbs to Raton, Albuquerque to Santa Fe, there's a community of professional musicians, enthusiasts, luthiers, and patrons that together form one of the richest places in the world for classical and flamenco guitar.
Beyond the Classical and Flamenco Guitar:
Flamenco Works summer series concert at Casa Barelas, June 5, 2021.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the rich tradition of homegrown Latin, jazz, country, pop, and rock that thrives here, particularly in Albuquerque. Each and every one of the following local ABQ musicians has had a lasting impact on the way I listen to, play, and enjoy music. And while there's been plenty of collaboration between classical musicians and so called "popular" musicians worldwide, I'd like to encourage even greater cross-pollination here at home. Regardless of genre, we're all united in the search for beauty, quality, and catharsis.
Here's a list of local New Mexican artists/bands you should check out:
Gilbert Uribe CRUSHING it during this Cumbia improvisation. I'm always in awe of this superb multi-genre, multi-instrumental musician!