FLAMENCO GUITARIST

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Diving into the rich tapestry of flamenco, Gerard Mapstone emerges as a compelling and vibrant guitarist, navigating the nexus of tradition and modernity with finesse. His performances resonate as deeply expressive, a harmonious fusion of Spanish rawness and contemporary conceptualism—an artistic endeavour that transcends boundaries, both temporal and spatial.

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In his latest studio opus, "Despertares," Mapstone undertakes a sonic exploration, redefining his flamenco roots through meticulous research and daring experimentation. The result is an authentic musical journey that flows beyond the labels, stripped of all superfluous adornment. This follows the well-received debut, "Vuelta al Mundo," a gem acknowledged on ABC Classic.

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Mapstone's journey as a concert performer commenced early in life, weaving tours and collaborations across Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Mexico. From the stage he has supported music icons such as Buena Vista Social Club, Cyndi Lauper, and Tomatito, solidifying his position as a versatile guitarist. His formative years involved classical guitar studies under the tutelage of luminaries like Julian Byzantine and Carlos Bonell, while a long stint in Spain saw him honing his craft under the guidance of José Ignacio Franco in Jerez de la Frontera.

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The guitarist's ethnographic pursuits led him to collaborate with stalwarts like Victor Monge 'Serranito,' Antón Jiménez, and Paco Heredia Torres. Notable accolades, including the QCGU Guitar Prize and a Best Jazz Album nod at the Queensland Music Awards, punctuate Mapstone's career, alongside academic accomplishments—holding a Ph.D. in Music and a Master's Degree in Music Performance from The University of Melbourne VCA & MCM.

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Beyond the spotlight, Mapstone's compositional prowess extends to orchestral works like "Nacer," premiered by The Queensland Chamber Orchestra. His collaboration with the QCO has resulted in numerous tours and festival appearances. Melbourne serves as his creative hub, where he engages as a recitalist, festival guest, and collaborator with various musical entities.

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In the realm of academia, Mapstone imparts his knowledge as a flamenco guitar specialist at The University of Melbourne. His scholarly contributions extend to international conferences and symposiums, presenting at esteemed gatherings like the Musicological Society of Australia's annual conference and TEDx .

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In the vast discography bearing his name, Mapstone's albums, including "Despertares," "Vuelta al Mundo," and collaborative works, find a home on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp. As a guitarist, composer, and academic, Gerard Mapstone's multifaceted journey continues to reverberate through the realms of flamenco and beyond.

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