SPANISH SOCIETY OF THE GUITAR
The Spanish Society of the Guitar is a non-profit organization founded in Madrid over fifty years ago. Since then, it has constantly been working with entrepreneurship to raise awareness about how wide guitar repertoire is. To this end, it has promoted the organization of monthly concerts, offered by the most representative and prestigious guitarists.
The most emblematic teachers have taught their wisdom in the courses offered under the auspices of the Society, thereby enriching the teaching on this instrument, which characterizes Spain.
It has now been extended this work through the biannual publication of a magazine - Roseta – encompassing in such way the current of musicological research, so necessary with our instrument.
Not satisfied with this, the SEG wants to encourage novices that are beginning their careers. And so, every spring it organizes the cycle of Young Performers, which involves students who have completed their degrees with the highest ratings in Higher Conservatories from all over Spain. These students have already begun to gain national and international competitions, showing how high their technical and artistic skills are.
All this work is still possible through the support of partners from all over the world: numerous guitar amateurs and professionals who, with their enthusiasm and contribution, make real all the projects undertaken by the various Boards of Directors that are leaving their mark on this Society.
Marisol Plaza
President of the SEG
CORDOBA’S GUITAR FESTIVAL
CELEBRATES ITS 30th ANNIVERSARY
This year, during the month of July, Cordoba will again became the "capital of Guitar" on the occasion of the Festival devoted in a monographic sense to various musical and artistic manifestations on this instrument. In 2010, Córdoba’s Guitar Festival (6 to 25 July) celebrates its 30th birthday, a date which will consolidate its prominent position in the creative and leisure proposals of the world’s major festivals.
With a well-deserved international fame due to the quality of the artists, teachers and experts participating in the meeting, the Guitar Festival offers two major complementary areas. First, the Training Program, with courses and lectures taught by eminent specialists about classical guitar, Flamenco guitar and contemporary guitar, and about Flamenco dancing and singing. This year’s festival has a list of great professors such as Leo Brouwer, Pepe Romero, The Assad Duo, David Russell, Manuel Barrueco, Ignacio Rodes, Ximo Tébar, Jamal Oussani, Javier Ruibal, Manolo Sanlúcar, José Antonio Rodríguez, Paco Serrano, Manolo Franco, Inmaculada Aguilar, Javier Latorre, Matilde Coral and Calixto Sánchez.
Furthermore, the Guitar Festival is based in a well prepared Concerts and Shows Program that takes place in emblematic venues of the city and in which the most important figures of the music scene are involved, such as the guitarist Mark Knoppfler. He will close this 30th edition with a massive concert.
Several premières have been scheduled to celebrate the anniversary. The dance company of Javier Latorre will perform for the first time the show El Duende y el Reloj; Javier Ruibal and the Cordoba Orchestra will offer a concert with a program composed by songs of this singer-songwriter from Cadiz and orchestrated by Javier López Guereña and, finally, the Cordoba Orchestra and the classical guitarist Wulfin Lieske will premiere a work composed by Lieske himself and dedicated to Cordoba’s Guitar Festival.
Flamenco is well represented in the show proposal of the Festival. The guitarist Paco Peña will present his Misa Flamenca, the flamenco dancer Eva Yerbabuena brings her show Rain, and the guitarist José Antonio Rodríguez and the singer Arcángel will offer their concert F2. Paco de Lucía, number one of Flamenco guitar, will also visit the Festival.
Moreover, this edition will pay tribute to Miguel Hernández on the centenary of his birth. That anniversary will be commemorated in a concert by Joan Manuel Serrat, who will play his last album, Hijo de la Luz y de la Sombra, which collects songs on texts by the poet from Orihuela. The classical guitarist Ignacio Rodes adds to this homage with a concert whose program consists of works by composers of the so-called “musical generation of 27”.
Among other artists, Córdoba’s Guitars Festival will also host concerts by Ximo Tebar, Fito Páez and Ismael Serrano.
Guitar Festival of Cordoba 2010. Tuittion Programme
PABLO GONZÁLEZ MARTÍN BECOMES THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S AIE SCHOLARSHIP, AWARDED BY RAMÍREZ GUITARS
In June 2009, the decision of the tribunalselected by the Association of Performers of Spain (AIE) awards Pablo González Martín, from Madrid. The scholarship conferred by the prestigious guitar makers José Ramírez consists of € 3000.
In his curriculum, Pablo explains his interest in achieving the José Ramírez Classic Guitar Scholarship in order to study over the next two years with Mario Marchione at the Conservatory of Maastricht ( "Master of Music").
He began his musical studies at the Professional Conservatory of Majadahonda with Melchor Rodríguez. Pablo was only 7 years old. He ended the middle degree with Ricardo Ramírez in 2005, getting the highest rating. Pablo starts the high degree at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid as a student of Gabriel Estarellas and Miguel Trápaga, finishing his studies with "outstanding" qualification.
Each year since 1990 the AIE publishes in its program of Assistance and Cultural Funds (www.aie.es) the rules for their 145 scholarships. The registration period ends in May 2009. They are dedicated to all types of music studies, both in Spain and abroad, with the support of major music schools. According to their funding they are divided into highly specialized AIE Scholarships and Training and Studies Extension Scholarships.
Auditions will take place around the second week of June, although it is recommended to seek information from the AIE. To cover the traveling costs of all candidates (on presentation of documents evidencing such costs) an aid of 60 € will be given to those who come from the Iberian Peninsula and of 120 € to the ones arriving from the islands or outside Spain.
The scholarship awarded by Ramirez consists of € 3,000, the option to get 30% when buying a Ramírez Guitar, a copy of the book "125th Anniversary" and a box of 12 sets of José Ramírez strings.
our booth at Nanm
SILVESTRE PEÑA ORTEGA
IN OUR SHOP
Katona Twins
"Ramirez made the classical guitar ready for the 21st century through combining the traditionally rich sound of their instruments with modern technology which makes them sound brilliant even in large arenas. The beautiful cut away shape makes playing these guitars comfortable even in high positions."
You can follow the concerts of this guitar duo in the following links:
www.katonatwins.com
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
KATONA TWINS
X1FIN: TOGETHER FOR THE SAHARA
X1FIN: TOGETHER for the Sahara, over 30 musicians and actors have joined to sing emblematic themes in a concert celebrated on 16 November 2009 and with the same name a CD has been recorded with sixteen themes. All the profits of the concert and the album will go to buy some camel females to feed with their milk to the Sahara children. Guitarras Ramirez also wanted to collaborate giving a guitar to be auctioned off on EBAY to raise the funds for the same purpose.
Also, the actor Juan Jose Ballesta played his Ramírez guitar in the concert as well as in the CD.
THE BEATLES ROCKBAND VIDEOGAME
The Beatles in the Ramírez history.
More information:
www.thebeatlesrockband.com
I GUITAR CONFERENCES IN OLVERA (Cádiz)
Last August, the ArteLinkado guitar Association organized the first conference on guitar construction. We had the pleasure to attend. There were concerts, lectures, master classes, ... all of them in an idyllic location such as the city of Olvera; a perfect environment for the exchange of ideas and knowledge concerning guitars. We look forward to attending the event next year.
More information at: guitarra.artelinkado.com
SANEL REDZIC'S CONCERT
2009 CORDOBA'S INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
The José Ramírez Guitar Company was pleased to attend this festival, which for years has been a benchmark in the guitar world. Close to it's anniversary, to be celebrated next year, the program did not disappoint. It offered master classes with figures such as Manuel Barrueco, Manolo Sanlucar, David Russell, Javier Riba, Pepe Romero, Marcos Partners and the Los Ángeles Guitar Quartet; splendid guitar concerts; and a perfect environment for the gathering of all those who love the guitar
More information at: www.guitarracordoba.com
Cristina Ramírez, Sergio Esteras, Luis Regidor Paín, Daniel Rubies and Andreu Monclús.
CORDOBA´S FESTIVAL GUITAR 2009
PARíS. "LA GUITARRERÍA". SEPTEMBER ´08
Thanks to the guitarrería and to Isabel for the marvellous time that we had with them. Always it is a pleasure to go to this emblematic place in the rue d'Edimbourg of Paris
TRIP TO GREECE- 26 YEARS OF YORGOS KERTSOPOULOS' MATHEMATICAL GUITAR
In February, 2009, we travelled to Athens in response to the invitation of the guitarist Yorgos Kertsopoulos. He had organized an act of homage for the Ramírez family's tradition. The theme was the 26th anniversary of the year in which he presented his mathematical guitar in Frankfurt. There, my father, Ramírez III, had met Yorgos. The event, held on February 7th, took place in the Benaki Museum's auditorium. This institution was, in turn, a sponsor of the event, along with other entities such as The Museum of Greek Popular Instruments; the City of Athens' Cultural Organization; Iberia and the Stratos Vassilikos Hotel, where we stayed as guests.
The event was truly inspiring; a tribute to the family that touched our hearts. A PowerPoint presentation on the Ramírez guitar makers dynasty was shown, followed by a brief concert interpreted by Smaro Gregoriadou and by Yorgos Kertsopoulos himself. He used different instruments invented and built by him. It was beautiful and very interesting to hear, given the special and personal sound of each guitar. The hall was completely full and we were approached by several members of the public who wanted to greet us and thank us for our assistance. We were overwhelmed by so much kindness, and by such a warm and enthusiastic reaction, which we were not expecting.
I must say that we enjoyed this trip much more than we would have expected. We were surrounded by very hospitable and friendly people with whom we have established bonds of friendships that I'm sure will remain forever. We are especially grateful to Yorgos and his wife Dionysia, who was in charge of the entire organization. And also to Niki, our translator and guide.
We also visited Music Panas, our distributors in Greece. We were thrilled by the professionalism of their establishment, which is dedicated to the classical guitar, with instruments and discs, as well as music scores and publications made by them. We are very pleased to be represented in Greece in such a specialized and solid way.
The last day we visited the Museum of Greek Folk Instruments. We were received by the musicologist Chrysa Koulouraki, who guided us through their collection. The Museum exhibits true marvels of craftsmanship, unique pieces for their beauty and originality. We were informed that they have a space visited daily by groups of children that come to learn the history of Greek instruments. That is something that we miss in our own homeland.
It has been a delightful journey, filled with great encounters and memories that we will fondly keep. Thanks to all those who made our visit to Athens an experience far beyond our expectations. Thank you.
VIDEOS
KERTSOPOULOS AND LIAVAS SPEECHES AT "forms & strings" guitar Kertsopoulos
HONORARY TRIBUTE TO AMALIA RAMIREZ AND THE TRADITION OF HER FAMILY-D.BLAZAKI
AMALIA RAMIREZ-SPEECH AT "forms & strings" guitar Kertsopoulos
"forms & strings" WHOLE EVENT IN SLIDESHOW VIDEO guitar tribute
AMALIA RAMIREZ INTERVIEWED at "forms & strings" guitar Kertsopoulos
RAMÍREZ IN MUNICH MESSE
Enrique Ramírez, Carmelo Llerena and Saar Gabriel attended Munich's Messe of craftmanship. In Ramírez's stand they showed the crafting process of our guitars. We were invited to exemplify the construction of handmade Spanish guitars in comparison to the German system. It was a great honour.
More information
FERIA MESSE FRANKFURT 09
Concert promoted by the Roland brand with a Ramírez guitar with the new Roland AP-1 system. Joan Garrobo with the guitar.
The Ramírez team: Amalia Ramírez, Marisa Sanzano, Arancha Prieto, Isaac Alvarez; and the photographer, Cristina Ramírez.
Two of our most beloved retailers by Amalia Ramírez: Arai (Japan) and Brian Whitehouse (United Kingdom). Brian shows the work that will soon be published about our collection of vintage guitars.
Things about the guitar
translation in Russian of book "Things about the guitar":
http://www.codamusic.ru/Ramirez/things.pdf
JVC-Coda electronic shop:
www.coda.ru
jvc@coda.ru
Coda music distribution:
www.codamusic.ru
coda@codamusic.ru
+7 (495) 231-2181 / 614-4230 / 612-2683
Tribute to the history and tradition of the
classical guitar: "forms & strings"
Saturday, 7th of Februery 2009, 20.00
The Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments "Foivos Anogianakis" in the framework of its aims for the establishment of proof and the spreading of subjects that relate to the forms and the evolution of musical instruments, organizes a tribute to the history and tradition of the classical guitar, entitled: "Forms and strings". Mrs. Amalia Ramirez, who is the director of the famous constructional Ramirez house will be honored and a guitar recital will follow featuring different historical types of instruments as these are revived by "Kertsopoulos Aesthetics", played by the soloists Yorgos Kertsopoulos and Smaro Gregoriadou.
The work of Yorgos Kertsopoulos initiated with the study of the different forms of the guitar
(mathematic and geometric model) and it expanded to the effort of reviving the different historical forms of the instrument (forms, strings and tunings). The pioneering musical proposition in which he concluded was named "Kertsopoulos Aesthetics". His work for the "mathematic model of the guitar" was recognized at the International Music Exhibition (Musik Messe, Frankfurt, 1983) by Jose Ramirez III, whose daughter is our honoured guest at the tribute.
Smaro Gregoriadou, being present in this effort of reviving the aesthetic multi-presence of the different forms of the instrument, projects in an international scale the need for the re-definition of the sound and the technique of the classical guitar. This perspective gives a multi-interpretational result which stands as the nucleus of her art: "reinventing guitar!".
Program
Poster
MARÍA RIBERA GIBAL WINS THE AIE CLASSICAL MUSIC
GUITAR JOSÉ RAMÍREZ SCHOLARSHIP
As on other occasions, José Ramírez offers a classical music guitar scholarship for the scholarship contest organized by La Sociedad de Artistas Intérpretes o ejecutantes de España (The Spanish Society of performers). This time the jury has ruled in favour of María Ribera Gibal (mariarigi@hotmail.com), who attends higher studies at the Conservatorio Superior del Liceu de Barcelona.
María explains in her report that during the coming year she will continue to study the classical guitar speciality at the Superior Conservatory with Guillem Pérez Quer, attending the second course classes. She will also continue with the chamber music work that began this year with the Triscodia guitar trio.
She will continue to study flamenco guitar with the maestro Manuel Granados, and will carry out other projects such as one with the Eclecticordia guitars orchestra, led by Danielle Kassner and Guillem Pérez Quer.
http://www.aie.es/becas/becas.htm
On the other hand, AIE starts a new project, JÓVENES FLAMENCOS EN RUTA (YOUNG FLAMENCOS ON ROUTE), in collaboration with various universities."El Niño Brenes" (Juan José Rodríguez Millán), who received the 2006/2007 AIE José Ramírez Flamenco Guitar Scholarship, will participate.
http://www.aie.es/flamencos.htm
PRIZE FOR BEST NYLON STRING GUITAR (GOLD MEDAL)
Our distributor in the United States, Tim Miklaucic of "Tornavoz" has just reported to us that we have received the "Best nylon string guitar (Gold Medal)" prize, thanks to the votes from the readers of the magazine "Acoustic Guitar Magazine." We are very grateful to them.
More information
127 YEARS awarded by the Madrid City Hall
On Tuesday November 4, Amalia Ramírez and Cristina Ramírez received in the Casa de la Panadería in the Plaza Mayor, the award which the City Council gave to 31 businesses that were 100 years old. These old shops give testimony to history, reminding us of what the Villa and Court of Madrid was then and what it is now.
They are direct witnesses of its streets and its people. They speak for themselves without the need for interpretation, proving that tradition is a profitable business and that, as we recognize in the proud voice of the sixth generation of the Hazen business, spokesman for all of us, these businesses still function because they work with dedication and care. Respect for tradition and love for the job well done are the keys to these businesses, 
which are mostly family businesses. We are proud of having this plaque on the door of the shop.
Media:
www.elmundo.es
www.que.es
www.munimadrid.es
www.tiendaramirez.blogspot.com
Newspaper qué:
pdf journal qué. 5 - 11 - 2008
pdf nouvelle journal qué. 5 - 11 - 2008
THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF
ANDRÉS HONORS RAMÍREZ
Last Monday, November 3, our business was honored to be awarded honorary membership, once again, by the Andrés Segovia International Festival. The ceremony took place at the Spanish Royal Botanic Garden’s (Real Jardín Botánico) bonsais conservatory. It preceded the opening of the exhibition of contemporary and vintage guitars, which will be held from November 4 to November 30 during the festival program. We have lent an important part of our collection for the show.
More Information:
www.rjb.csic.es
The Madrid Guitar Craftsmen's Association
The Madrid Guitar Craftsmen's Association (AAGM), to which José Ramírez belongs, has just published its new web page: www.guitarrerosdemadrid.com. This has been launched with the intention of promoting the handcrafted guitar, especially the classical, that is created in our community. The Association is also preparing a documentary, focussed on the Madrid School tradition, which will soon be at the disposal of their web page users.
We are open to any suggestions or proposals that are sent to our e-mail:
guitarrerosdemadrid@gmail.com.
Festival Internazionale della Chitarra
Città di Fiuggi
Last July José Ramírez took part in the Festival Internazionale della Chitarra Città di Fiuggi, near Rome, where besides sharing a stand with the Madrid Guitar-makers' Association (of which we are a member) we also were present at an exclusive stand for the brand with the support of Carich:
fiuggi.blogolandia.it/
During the festival, Roberto Fabbri, the organizer of the event, (www.robertofabbri.com),
invited the association’s members to put forward the reasons for our existence, as well as to clarify the doubts of those who attended the presentation. Arturo Sanzano, Manuel Cáceres, José Romero and Amalia Ramírez explained why the creation of an association that will support the continuity of guitar-maker
craftsmanship is necessary given the increasing mechanization in the sector, and the emergent Chinese market dealing in musical instruments 
(www.guitarrerosdemadrid.com).
Finally, during a ceremony where different artists took part on the stage, Amalia Ramírez was rewarded with a prize for her merits as an artisan. The guitarist Mássimo Varini (www.massimovarini.it) was especially impressive. It was a very positive experience for us and we are deeply grateful for having our work recognized. Its wonderful being rewarded for something that we do from the heart. Thank you very much.
series of gatherings
From the beginning of 2009 the Jose Ramírez’s shop will begin a series of gatherings to be held in their establishment in Paz Street, No. 8. This is intended to create a space for dialogue focused on both the promotion of this instrument and for all those who make magic with the guitar, or who make it the goal of their lives. In Ramírez we think that the best way of creating the instrument and of making it evolve is to listen, especially to those who earn their living with the guitar. But we also know how important it is to listen to all those who love guitars, who want to learn more about them and those who are dedicated to them. To do so, the cycle shall begin with a very special personage. We will publish news about this soon.
Long ago, an activity that was customary in the guitar shops faded into oblivion. It was not unusual to go into one of them and find an improvised chat taking place between guitarists, teachers, conservatory professors and a buyer interested in giving his point of view. On other occasions there was a small concert of someone who spontaneously started playing. Most certainly a very special atmosphere existed.
It was on our journey to Japan that we discover how this tradition, much like the cultural talks at cafes, had been recovered. They had resurrected something that we had forgotten, a tradition that they had not experienced and which they were now enjoying. Hence this idea was born. Now, with our tradition supporting us and conscious of the pressure of time in city life, we intend to create organized gatherings (maximum one per month). This space will be completely open to whoever directs the talk, with total freedom to choose the theme: (theories about the guitar, it´s history, the presentation of a recording or a book, the sharing of experience with students, etc.). As there is a small area and the activity will be free of charge, there will be limited seating. An e-mail address will be made public on posters and on the web page. The first to write in will gain entry.