Abu Dhabi, October 7, 2018: Making their UAE debut, French maestro of the flamenco guitar Juan Carmona and chaâbi star of Algerian mandola Ptit Moh, bring an evening of dazzling musicality to The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi. Experience a musical dialogue that reflects how each virtuoso expands the vision of their musical styles to include aspects of jazz and world music in their performance on Friday, October 19 in Chaâbi Flamenco.

Recognized by the challenging flamenco puro world and by the international world music, Carmona loves to walk his duende on exclusive sound territories. And by working with artistic director of the El Gusto Orchestra, the mandolist Ptit Moh, a rich and common language between the two is formed.

Carmona, born in Lyon after his family emigrated due to exile in the 1960s, picked up his first guitar when he was 10 years old. His talent was quickly spotted by professionals and after becoming an accomplished guitarist, Carmona headed to Spain, as he felt the need to join the land of his ancestors to reconnect with his roots and learn from the source of flamenco, in Jerez de la Frontera. After nine years of absorbing their knowledge in the purest flamenco tradition, he then recorded his first albums and won international awards including the prestigious guitar competition International de Jerez, finalist of the competition of the Union of Cordoba, and the great prize Paco de Lucia.

Mohamed Abdennour, called ‘Ptit Moh’, is a child of traditional music. Ptit studied mandola after becoming infatuated by its harmony and arrangements. Now regarded as one of the most experienced and perfectionist of his instrument day, Ptit continues to compose and arrange music, while actively contributing not only in giving a contemporary overview of the mandola, but also in helping in the evolution of this instrument. He is also the artistic director of the El Gusto Orchestra and directs diverse records alongside Mick Jones from The Clash.

Two music workshops will also take place as part of The Art Center’s Off The Stage program. Those interested will be able to learn from guitar masters Ptit Moh and Juan Carmona on the styles of flamenco and the mandola.

Executive Artistic Director at NYUAD Arts Center Bill Bragin said: “During this year of Emirati-French Cultural Dialogue, the UAE is celebrating the links between France and the Arab World. Chaabi Flamenco presents exceptional artists whose music builds on centuries-long Arab-Andalusian traditions. We’ve already seen how ecstatic audience responses have been to previous flamenco performances at The Arts Center. We’re delighted to debut this special collaboration which brings the music even closer to its roots in the region, and spotlights the ongoing process of cultural exchange.”

The evening is presented in collaboration with the Institut français in the UAE, cultural services of the French Embassy, as part of the Emirati-French Cultural Dialogue.

On this occasion, the Ambassador of France, H.E. Ludovic Pouille declared “I am really pleased to work closely with The Arts Center at NYUAD, which is one of the key stakeholders of the UAE’s cultural scene. It is with great pleasure that I welcome the two wonderful artists Juan Carmona and Ptit Moh here today. Their music, at the crossroads of many Arabo-Andalusian influences, embodies the richness of cultural exchange. This ambition to gather and share cultures is also at the core of the Emirati-French Cultural Dialogue, whose second season has been launched few weeks ago and whose aim is to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between France and the United Arab Emirates.”