About Me
Miguel de la Bastide has been involved with flamenco for over 25 years. He is one of the few guitarists outside of Spain, who has mastered the techniques and the knowledge of the flamenco guitar. An incredible soloist, he also excels as an accompanist and as a composer. He possesses a rare combination of explosive technique with a unique sensitivity to the flamenco dance and song.A native of San Fernando, Trinidad, Miguel immigrated to Canada at the age of eighteen and began an intensive study of flamenco. In 1992, he joined forces with Carmen Romero as Music Director for Canada's premier flamenco company, The Candela Flamenca Dance & Music Ensemble, recently renamed, Compañia Carmen Romero. Since then he has become a recipient of the prestigious Chalmers Award and the Toronto Arts Council Award. He is also the first flamenco guitarist to be invited on staff at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Over the past decade, Miguel has performed extensively with Compañia Carmen Romero, and as a solo artist, in North America, Europe and Asia.In 1996, Miguel was the first in North America to be featured with some of Spain's most respected flamenco guitarists on the CD compilation entitled Flamenco Fire and Grace by NARADA . The following year, he contributed to another compilation entitled Gypsy Passion and, in 1998, was included on Gypsy Soul, also by NARADA. Later that same year, he released his long-awaited solo album, EL CAMBIO, to rave reviews, followed by a video of the same name, which was picked up by BRAVO-TV. In spring of 2000, his music appeared on NARADA's Gypsy Fire and in the fall, Viva Flamenco. Other CDs that Miguel's work can be found are on Narada World, Narada Showcase Collection, Narada Guitar: 15 Years of Collected Works and Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar.Miguel's music has been used for television commercials in Spain and his guitar artistry can also be heard in the world-released television series Queen of Swords.
