Juan de la Mata, the transcriber of the pieces in this book, enjoyed a 30-year professional relationship with Sabicas and is a seasoned performer in the flamenco style. He has preserved not only the notes, but the spirit and nuance of this music as Sabicas played it.
Mr.Juan de la Mata was born on Febuary 28 1918 in Madrid. Spain, started to study the flamenco
guitar at the age of six, and at age eleven acted in the Spanish theatre in Madrid.
1941-1942
Graduated with a "professor" degree at the Real Conservatory of Music and Poetry of Madrid. He
participated in more than forty movies, composing the music for his own performances.
1946-1947
His first trip abroad was Portugal, and for more than a year, performed in theatre, radio,
television and the Gran Casino of Estoril. Was invited by Mr. Juan and Mrs. Maria de Borbon to
perform as soloist for the debut of their son Juan Carlos, currently the Majestic King Juan Carlos
I of Spain.
1948-1952
The famous and great artist lmperio Argentina (Magdalena Nile del Rio), hired Mr. de la Mata to go
to Argentina to perform with her in theatre, radio, television, and when she had to go back to
Spain, because someone very beloved passed away, she recommended Mr. de la Mata to the worldwide
known dance couple "Rosario and Antonio"
With Rosario and Antonia Mr. de la Mata performed in Argentina , Urguay, Chile, Peru, Brazil,
U.S.A. (44 States), Canada, Spain, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Holland,
Denmark, Italy, Israel and Eygpt (King Faruk Wedding).
1952-1956
With Rosario and her Spanish Ballet he performed all throughout Europe, Algiers, Marocco, Tanger,
Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru and Brazil.
1958-1959
With Ximenz-Vargas ballet he performed, as guest artist in Cuba, Puerto Rico, U.S.A and Canada.
1959-1990
Sabicas
In New York, Mr. de la Mata had the pleasure of meeting the genius and master of the flamenco
guitar "Sabicas" (Agustin Castellon Campos 1907-1990), With whom he worked and performed for more
than thirty years.