Lecture on Gypsy Music & Acoustic Performance
Guy Bertrand & Los Graciosos

Los Graciosos, the new sound of Rumba Gitane, originated from the vibrant gypsy neighborhoods of Barcelona in the 1950s and later found its roots in the south of France, particularly in the Camargue in the South of France. Born out of the creative dynamic influenced by legendary guitarist Manitas de Plata and the global echo of the Gypsy Kings saga, Los Graciosos emerged in 2018 when cousins from the Cortes, Ximenez, and Gabarri families came together to form a professional group. Their name, "Los Graciosos," naturally reflects their musical journey.

With a focus on the essential historical repertoire of Catalan Rumba Gitane, Los Graciosos have established themselves on the front stage through their talent and interpretation. They not only masterfully interpret the traditional repertoire but also contribute with their own compositions, creating a unique sound that blends rumba and flamenco. Led by Jose Maria "Peruche" Cortes, the group encompasses vocal prowess, inventive percussion, and harmonious guitar and keyboard arrangements by the talented members of the ensemble.

This concert mirrors the KYOTOGRAPHIE exhibition of French photographer Lucien Clergue. Clergue not only took photographs of Manitas de Plata but also played a crucial role in bringing him to global recognition. Credited with "Artistic direction" on Hommages, Clergue was more than just that; he served as a manager and mentor. Thanks to Clergue's guidance, Manitas transitioned from local fame in the Camargue to international stages, including Carnegie Hall (where he performed 14 times) and Japan.

Musician and composer specializing in Occitan music, Guy Bertrand is originally from Toulouse. As an ethnomusicologist, he taught at the University of Toulouse Le Mirail and in the musicology department of the University Lumière Lyon 2. By devoting the bulk of his research to Gypsy and Romani music, Guy Bertrand is the author of the book "Les Musiciens Gitans de la Rumba" published by Editions de la Flandonnière and co-author with Bernard Giglio of the film La Casa de la Rumba. As a producer of musical events and concerts, he created a tribute concert to the musical work of Manitas de Plata in collaboration with conductor Ernesto Burgos Osorio and guitarist Kema Baliardo, the grandson of Manitas de Plata, in 2021 at the Théâtre de la Mer in Sète. With stage director Maurice Durozier, an actor at the Théâtre du Soleil of Ariane Mnouchkine, he has recently created the "Romancero Gitan del Vernet" as part of the program "Parlem une cultura viva," supported by the Occitanie Regional Council, which features the Gypsy Musicians group from Perpignan, Los Graciosos. He is the director of the RUMBA NAMA Festival, which takes place annually in Perpignan's historic venues.