Elena Ortega

I'm Elena Ortega, a classical guitarist from Madrid, Spain, and a proud full member of The Arts and Culture Network. Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in an interview where we created my fantasy cultural year and played a fun "This or That" game, which led to many surprises, anecdotes, laughs, and interesting conversational detours.

Early Life and Education

My journey in music began in Madrid, where I embarked on extensive training in classical guitar. This passion for music took me to Seville, where I continued to hone my craft under the guidance of esteemed teachers. These experiences in the vibrant musical landscapes of Madrid and Seville have been fundamental in shaping my career.

Career Beginnings and Musical Preferences

My career in classical guitar is driven by a passion for evoking deep emotions in my audience. Although I don't compose, I hold a profound admiration for composers and enjoy performing guitar concertos by West, Harbay, Tong, and Ponthe. I strive to make classical guitar accessible to a wider audience, and my music is available on several digital platforms.

Cultural Influences and Personal Interests

My love for Spanish culture and art runs deep, a sentiment shared and appreciated by Mark, who has family ties to Seville. One of my favorite books is "Lord of the Rings," which I've read multiple times and enjoy discussing in both its literary and cinematic forms.

Decision-Making Game and Personal Preferences

During the interview, Mark and I played a decision-making game that revealed some of my personal preferences. When given choices like tea or coffee, radio or television, and high heels or flip-flops, I realized I tend to "test the water" rather than jump in at the deep end. I also couldn't decide between Beethoven and Mozart, highlighting my deep appreciation for classical music.

Fantasy Cultural Year

We imagined a fantasy cultural year for me, set in Egypt near the Pyramids of Giza, incorporating my favorite book "Lord of the Rings." We also discussed a recent audiobook adaptation of the book, which intrigued me despite my familiarity with the text.

World Tour Funded by Cairo Foundation

A particularly exciting part of the fantasy was an offer from a family foundation in Cairo to fund a world tour for me to study guitar music. I expressed interest in exploring various countries and ultimately chose Argentina. This fantasy opportunity included documenting my journey through a TV show, a book, and recordings of the guitar music I encounter, with all expenses covered by the foundation.

Classical Music, Tango, and Argentine Cuisine

I have a deep love for classical music because of its diverse range of moods. Imagining a visit to Buenos Aires, I envisioned attending a traditional tango dance performance and enjoying Argentine empanadas or steak for dinner.

Preferences for Future Outings

When discussing future outings, I showed interest in attending a rock concert or a science fiction film, though I'm less enthusiastic about sporting events like soccer matches. My eclectic tastes reflect a wide range of interests beyond classical music.

Restaurant Lunch Guest List

In a hypothetical scenario, I chose to have a restaurant lunch with Slash from Guns N' Roses, Paco de Lucía, and possibly a historic composer such as Beethoven or Mozart. I also expressed a desire to listen to Guns N' Roses on the way home, demonstrating my diverse musical tastes.

Project Completion and Future Plans

I successfully completed this interview with Mark, who expressed gratitude for my contribution and membership. We discussed plans to promote the project on various platforms, including YouTube and SoundCloud.

Summary

My journey as a classical guitarist is characterized by dedication to my craft, a wide range of musical influences, and an eagerness to explore new cultural experiences. I look forward to future endeavors, including the imagined world tour, which promises to enrich my artistry and connect me with audiences worldwide.