Spanish Wedding Guitarist Malaga | The Perfect Ceremonial Backdrop
Nicolás’ Beautiful Music Captures the Romance of the Costa del Sol for Brides and Grooms
What better backdrop for a beautiful Spanish wedding than the serenade of the classical Spanish guitar? Nicolás, one of southern Spain’s most talented guitarists, joins us today on the Sunshine Weddings Spain blog to tell us a little about his inspiration, and the unique style that he brings to the celebration of a marriage here.
My musical story starts with my mother. She has dedicated her life to teaching music to all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds – with no limits due to their age or level of ability. Although she never taught me herself, her musical expression, and all that she represents has definitely acted as a muse for my own style of music. I started to play and study guitar when I was a teenager.
I’ve been working in the wedding industry for 10 years. It all started with a casual phone call from a friend. He asked me to replace him by playing at a wedding booking that he could no longer make. I felt really comfortable doing it. It was an honour and such a special day. Even now, so many years down the line, every single ceremony (every single cocktail party) that I perform at touches my heart in some way.
My biggest influences on the guitar scene are Andrés Segovia, David Martínez, Ricardo Gallén, Marco Tamayo y Joaquín Clerch. These musicians are great guitar players at the highest level.
My favourite location to perform at on the Costa del Sol is probably La Cabane (Hotel Los Monteros). It can get pretty warm there for me playing during ceremonies, however the location is just above the sea and I think this brings such a magical atmosphere to the wedding.
The most memorable wedding I have performed at recently was in Hacienda San Rafael (Las Cabezas de San Juan, Sevilla) because I became good friends.
Obviously this year the pandemic has brought challenges to the destination wedding venue industry and my bookings were sadly cancelled, which must have been devastating for the couples, although I know many have rebooked for 2021. Fortunately, as I teach in the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Sevilla, and also in private classes, I have been able to keep part of my regular income flowing this year.
I don’t often play with other musicians, even though I’m able to do so. This is because most couples prefer to have the real sound of a Classical Spanish Guitar on its own.
I have a list of songs that I tend to play as set pieces, but if the bridal couple have some favourite songs, I can play those too (unless there’s no way to perform them on guitar… eg. Beethoven’s 5th symphony)! At this point I will compose the song, write an arrangement, and study it for the wedding.
I really like playing soft music and love songs at weddings. So that’s my ceremony style. I opt for a soft touch with lots of feeling and emotion in my unique style. I tend toward creating ambience and a special atmosphere, so every aspect of my music literally surrounds the celebration – the hands, the strings, and the wood of the guitar.
Outside of the wedding season I play with the Symphonic Orchestra of Málaga, and the Philarmonic Orchestra of Málaga. I am also a member of the Camera Orchestra.
I am really looking forward to the 2021 wedding season, and aside from that, I am also part of a big Argentinian tango show called Broken Tango 2.0 with whom I will play in Teatro Cervantes (Málaga) in October next year, and we´ll also have a European tour.
It’s been fascinating finding out more about Nicolás brilliant work and we look forward to working with him during the next wedding season.