François Aria

A young flamenco guitarist, he nonetheless begins his journey with the electric guitar, developing his instrumental technique as a self-taught musician. He explores blues, jazz, and then classical music, but it is not until the age of 18 that he discovers the traditional music of Andalusia and decides to abandon the plectrum in favour of independent fingerpicking with his right hand across the nylon strings of the flamenco guitar. Very quickly, numerous trips throughout southern Spain and relentless work allow him to accompany singing and dance, and to compose his first pieces. He wins 1st Prize at the Manuel de Falla Musical Interpretation Competition in the city of Granada in 2013, reaches the final of the 3rd Flamenco Guitar Competition in the city of Albi (Tarn) in 2014, and that same year earns a Master's degree in Ethnomusicology from the Sorbonne (Paris IV). His career as a performing musician then begins, with the creation of several ensembles and numerous artistic collaborations. Daphné Souvatzi, Rusan Filiztek, Clara Ysé, Rosemary Standley, Nati James, Cécile Evrot and Roxane Elfasci will become essential travelling companions for the guitarist. He is the co-creator of four albums with hip-hop, classical, jazz and oriental influences, reflecting the depth of his musical background.