Ricardo Fernández del Moral, Lámpara Minera

Winner Lámpara Minera 2012

Born  in Daimiel, Ciudad real, he began his guitar studies at the age of 8 years old, influenced by his father, also a singer and great flamenco enthusiast.

As his studies progressed, he received tuition from prestigious masters Oscar Herrero and Manolo Martín.

At 14 years old, he began to play in the peña Juan Antonio Córdoba, in Almagro, where he became the official guitarist after a short while.

He is also official guitarist in the Peña La Sonanta in Ciudad realand has participated in festivals in Spain, Franceand Portugal, accompanying important figures in the Flamenco world, including Chano Lobato and Marcelo Sousa, "Niño del Gastor."

As a cantaor ( singer) he has participated in performances alongside José Menese, José "de la Tomasa" and Raúl Montesinos.

In 2011 he began to compete in competitions, self accompanying on guitar, wining first prize in the competition, "Cuando llega el duende."

He also won third prize in the 1st competition, "Puerta de Siberia in the Casas de Don Pedro ( Ciudad real.)

He has also performed in the Café de Chinitas in Madris on several occasions between October of 2011 and January of 2012.

On 11th August 2012, at 2.24am, he was awarded the Miners Lamp for his rendition of the Minera in the 52nd edition of the  Cante de las Minas in La Unión, aged 36.

He also won the categories for the Soleá, Toná, Malagueña and Taranta, a decision which proved highly popular with the audience, although less so with the other contestants who had hoped for greater success.

To see the gallery of images and reports from Cante de Las Minas 2012, Click Cante de Las Minas