Renowned composer and flutist Oscar de Manuel has announced the publication of his award-winning composition, Cantes de Levante “Minera”, which will serve as the required piece for the VII National Flute Competition, organized by the Asociación de Flautistas de España (AFE) in 2025 in Madrid. This exciting news comes as the prestigious AFE competition draws near, offering flutists an exceptional opportunity to interpret this unique work.
Published by Brotons & Mercadal Edicions Musicals SL, the piece has been beautifully produced with great attention to detail. Oscar de Manuel expressed his gratitude to the publisher and the AFE jury for selecting his composition as the competition’s mandatory piece, emphasizing how proud he is of the final edition.
Cantes de Levante “Minera” draws inspiration from the traditional Cantes de Levante, a style deeply rooted in the music of La Unión, where the International Festival del Cante de las Minas is held. This festival bestows the prestigious “Lámpara Minera” award, one of the highest honors in flamenco singing. De Manuel’s composition is a personal tribute to these cantes, which earned him the “Filón de Oro” prize for best flamenco instrumentalist. His goal with this piece is to bring the essence of modern flamenco to the classical flute repertoire, allowing the instrument to emulate the depth of flamenco singing, dance, and guitar playing.
In performing this composition, de Manuel highlights that the piece is in free time, encouraging musicians to take liberties with phrasing, extending fermatas, and emulating the expressive qualities of a flamenco singer. The composition is also dedicated to his son, Guille, adding a personal and emotional layer to the music.
De Manuel promises to provide further insight into the work, sharing valuable interpretation tips for performers preparing for the competition. He also plans to release video and audio recordings of his own performance of the piece in the coming days, offering flutists a natural reference for his artistic intentions and the elusive duende – the passionate spirit embedded in flamenco music.
De Manuel encourages all participants to delve into the composition, not only to prepare for the competition but to appreciate the profound musical and emotional depth that it carries. With the competition just around the corner, flutists are urged to start working on this required piece to showcase their interpretation of this captivating flamenco-inspired composition at the event in Madrid.
Stay tuned for Oscar de Manuel’s recordings, which will undoubtedly provide essential guidance and inspiration for flutists aiming to bring Cantes de Levante “Minera” to life in the competition.
Oscar de Manuel is an acclaimed Spanish flutist and composer, known for his innovative fusion of classical flute playing with the rich, evocative traditions of flamenco music. As a pioneer of the “flamenco flute” style, de Manuel has pushed the boundaries of the instrument, bringing the passion and rhythm of flamenco into symphonic and chamber music settings. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras and in prestigious festivals around the world. In addition to his performance career, de Manuel is a dedicated composer, with his works often reflecting his deep connection to flamenco culture. His unique musical voice has earned him widespread recognition, including several major awards, and continues to inspire flutists and musicians globally.
