BIOGRAPHY

Born in Barcelona, Spain, Juan Carreras aka ‘Juan de Marias’ started his musical studies as a classical guitarist in 1969, and three years later began the study of flamenco guitar with Niño de las Cuevas, Antonio Francisco and Luis Verdu in Barcelona, Andres Batista in Madrid and later on with Emilio Maya and Miguel Angel Cortes in Granada.

In August of 2002 he was awarded a Grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to study in Spain with Manuel Lozano “El Carbonero” in Jerez and Escuela 7 Hermanos in Barcelona.

He has also studied cante in Seville with Esperanza Fernandez and Jesus Corbacho.

Juan has worked as both soloist and accompanist for numerous singers and dancers such as Ana Montes, Gabriela Rojo, Oscar Nieto, Jose Lara, Paco de Leon and Antonio Amaya among others.

Musical director, founding member and principal guitarist of the flamenco troupe Flamenko’s formerly known as ‘Elias Vargas and Company’, arranged the production ‘Gypsy Soul’, which has been presented for two years in many locations in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Juan has performed in Spain, England, Chile and Canada. He is a regular performer both as guitarist and singer at the flamenco circles in Vancouver as a soloist and with his troupe Mimbre Flamenco.

For information on upcoming performances click here