In a warm and candid conversation with classical soprano Susanna Barasch, acclaimed duo Andrew Blanch (Spanish guitar) and Maria Eugenia Nieva (mezzo-soprano) discuss their musicianship and program “Spanish Romance”, shared insights into their artistic journey, partnership, and the beautiful fusion of music and love that defines their performances. Calling in from Mendoza, Argentina, the duo…
In a warm and candid conversation with classical soprano Susanna Barasch, acclaimed duo Andrew Blanch (Spanish guitar) and Maria Eugenia Nieva (mezzo-soprano) discuss their musicianship and program “Spanish Romance”, shared insights into their artistic journey, partnership, and the beautiful fusion of music and love that defines their performances. Calling in from Mendoza, Argentina, the duo discussed their current tour, the cultural roots of their repertoire, and how they bring their passion for Spanish music and Argentinian folklore to audiences worldwide.
Watch the Video
The full conversation with Andrew and Eugenia in available to watch on YouTube:
Table of contents
Meet the Artists
Praised as a ‘rockstar of nylon-acoustic music’ (On Sounds), ‘the real deal’ (Classics Today), ‘dazzling’ (ArtsHub) and ‘brilliant’ (Limelight), Australian guitarist Andrew Blanch is as passionate as they come and has made it his mission to promote the unique beauty of the guitar far and wide. He is a prizewinner in more than ten music competitions, including top prizes at the Whitworth-Roach Classical Music Competition (2015), Melbourne International Guitar Competition (2016), and the Adelaide International Guitar Competition (2019) dubbed the ‘most prestigious guitar competition in the southern hemisphere.’ In November 2019, Andrew was featured on the front cover of Australia’s premiere classical music and arts publication, Limelight, as one of ‘30 young Australian musicians destined for greatness’.
María Eugenia Nieva began her musical studies at the age of six at the Niños Cantores de Mendoza music school, she joined the choir at the age of nine and performed throughout Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, and Argentina as a soloist and chorus member. María Eugenia completed her Musical Artistic Baccalaureate with a focus on Choral Conducting before her university studies. She performs regularly with her partner Australian guitarist Andrew Blanch. Together they have given concerts in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston and Brisbane for Concerts Australia as well as more than 40 concerts throughout the United States of America. They jointly gave a Lecture-Recital at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Argentinian music, ‘From Tonada to Cueca to Zamba, an introduction to the world of Argentinian música folklórica’ and are passionate about sharing the depths of Argentinian music with their public.
From Friendship to Collaboration
Eugenia, a classically trained singer from Mendoza, and Andrew, a guitarist from Australia, began their journey unexpectedly. A serendipitous connection introduced them while Eugenia was working as voice teacher in Australia. What began as casual meetups and walks soon blossomed into a partnership both on and off the stage.
Encouraged by Andrew’s mother, the pair performed their first duet, which led to an outpouring of encouragement from friends and family. This support marked the beginning of their musical collaboration, combining Andrew’s classical guitar expertise with Eugenia’s expressive vocals.
The Tour: A Musical Expedition
Andrew and Eugenia’s tour has taken them across continents, showcasing their artistry to diverse audiences. They began in Australia, where they performed in major cities, and then moved to the U.S., embarking on a two-part tour.
First Leg: The West Coast
Their initial U.S. tour included 20 performances along the West Coast, starting in Seattle and traveling through cities like Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles before concluding in Salt Lake City. The duo also ventured inland to Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, sharing their music with audiences in intimate venues and larger concert halls alike.
Second Leg: The Southern States
Currently, Andrew and Eugenia are embarking on their Southern U.S. tour. The journey starts in New Orleans, Louisiana, and takes them to various cities in Texas, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston. From there, they’ll perform in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, culminating in a final concert in Augusta.
Spanish Romance: A Story of Culture and Emotion
The centerpiece of their performances is Spanish Romance, a carefully curated program that interweaves Spanish guitar solos and traditional Argentinian duets. The title pays homage to the famous classical guitar piece, “Spanish Romance,” while reflecting themes of love, passion, and cultural identity.
Performance Highlights: The Music and Composers
Solo Guitar Works
Andrew’s section of the concert opens with an arrangement of Vivaldi’s Concerto in D Major, originally written for violin and later transcribed for solo keyboard by J.S. Bach. This piece sets the tone with its intricate counterpoint and vibrant energy, showcasing Andrew’s technical brilliance.
He then transitions into staples of the Spanish guitar repertoire, including music by Isaac Albéniz and “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” by Francisco Tárrega – A delicate tremolo study that paints an aural image of the Alhambra palace in Granada.
Andrew also includes selections from Latin American composers from Brazil and Venezuela, including works by Ignacio Figueredo, Luiz Bonfá, and Pixinguinha.
This selection offers a lively exploration of Latin American melodies, weaving together Venezuelan harp traditions, Brazilian samba, and bossa nova influences.
Duets: A Celebration of Argentinian Folklore
When Eugenia joins Andrew on stage, the program takes a heartfelt turn toward Argentinian music. Their selections include:
- “Zamba azul” – Tito Francia & Armando Tejada Gómez
A graceful and emotional Zamba reflecting on the themes of longing and connection a past love, often portraying the Argentinian landscape as a source of inspiration and solace. - “Regreso a la tonada” – Tito Francia & Armando Tejada Gómez
This piece celebrates the tonada, a traditional musical form from the Cuyo region, reflecting on a journey back to one’s roots and the profound emotions of returning to familiar lands. - “Alfonsina y el mar” – Ariel Ramirez & Félix Luna
A poignant tribute to the life and legacy of Alfonsina Storni, a celebrated Argentinian poet, this haunting song portrays her final journey into the sea as a metaphor for peace and eternal rest. - “Nacida en agua de Guerra” – Daniel Diaz & Hugo Rivella
This evocative song narrates the tale a woman, Eulogia Amada Cortés, who lived to 103 years old drinking wine, dancing and enjoying life. She was close to numerous important Argentinian musical figures, and was famous for her enjoyment of music and Argentinian folkloric parties.
Cultural Exchange and Unique Sounds
Andrew, though not Argentinian, immerses himself in the rhythms and melodies of Eugenia’s homeland. “To truly understand a genre, you must dive into its culture and history,” he says. Eugenia adds that their different musical backgrounds enhance their performances, blending authenticity with unique interpretations.
The duo’s collaboration also highlights the versatility of the classical guitar. Andrew plays a 2014 Greg Smallman and Sons, an Australian-made guitar renowned for its innovative design and innovative lattice bracing. This distinctive instrument combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials, producing rich, resonant tones that complement Eugenia’s voice.
On Stage and Beyond
Despite the challenges of touring, Andrew and Eugenia find joy in connecting with audiences. Their pre-performance rituals include Mate (Argentinian tea), warm-ups, and moments of reflection. Post-concert, they unwind by exploring local cuisine or mingling with fans. Occasionally, they drive late into the night, cherishing the peace of the open road.
Their ability to laugh at unexpected mishaps—like linguistic slip-ups or a broken guitar string at the Sydney Opera House—keeps them grounded. For them, music is as much about storytelling and connection as it is about technical precision.
Looking Ahead
With plans to record their work and continue touring, Andrew and Eugenia’s journey is just beginning. They hope their music inspires others to explore the beauty of cultural exchange and the magic of collaboration.
“Our music tells stories of love, longing, and joy—and reminds us to celebrate the beauty of life together,” says Eugenia.
This dynamic duo exemplifies how love and music can intertwine, creating a narrative that resonates across borders and cultures. Catch them on tour to experience their enchanting performance of Spanish Romance!
Upcoming Performances
Here’s where you can catch Andrew and Eugenia live during the remainder of their 2024 Southern U.S. tour:
- Austin, TX – December 2
- Dallas, TX – December 3
- Shreveport, LA – December 4
- Montgomery, AL – December 5
- Birmingham, AL – December 7
- Atlanta, GA – December 8
- Tampa, FL – December 11
- Tallahassee, FL – December 12
- Orlando, FL – December 14
- Jacksonville, FL – December 16
- Savannah, GA – December 17
- Charleston, SC – December 18
- Augusta, GA – December 19
Stay updated on their schedule and tickets via their website or social media channels.
Tickets: https://concerts.andrewblanch.com/usatour
More About the Artists
Andrew Blanch:
Praised as a ‘rockstar of nylon-acoustic music’ (On Sounds), ‘the real deal’ (Classics Today), ‘dazzling’ (ArtsHub) and ‘brilliant’ (Limelight), Australian guitarist Andrew Blanch is as passionate as they come and has made it his mission to promote the unique beauty of the guitar far and wide. He is a prizewinner in more than ten music competitions, including top prizes at the Whitworth-Roach Classical Music Competition (2015), Melbourne International Guitar Competition (2016), and the Adelaide International Guitar Competition (2019) dubbed the ‘most prestigious guitar competition in the southern hemisphere.’ In November 2019, Andrew was featured on the front cover of Australia’s premiere classical music and arts publication, Limelight, as one of ‘30 young Australian musicians destined for greatness’.
Andrew has collaborated with many leading artists, composers and orchestras throughout his career. His albums Alchemy (2021) with classical guitarist Ariel Nurhadi, and Suite mágica (2024) with QSO principal harpist Emily Granger reached No. 2 and No. 1 on the ARIA Classical Album charts, respectively. Alchemy received a nomination for Best Independent Classical Album at the 2021 AIR Awards, and Suite mágica, which has been streamed nearly 1,000,000 times, has been called ‘one of the most extraordinary albums to come out of Australia in a long time’ (Sydney Arts Guide). Andrew has toured extensively with leading contemporary ensemble Ensemble Offspring, with whom he shared a nomination for Performance of the Year at the 2022 Art Music Awards, with the New Zealand Guitar Quartet, with whom he has recorded a full-length studio album due for release 2024, and is a founding member of the Australian Guitar Quartet, alongside Vladimir Gorbach and the Grigoryan Brothers.
Andrew has worked with many leading Australian composers in commissioning or premiering new music for the instrument including Elena Kats-Chernin, Robert Davidson, Jessica Wells, Felicity Wilcox, Sally Whitwell, Tristan Coelho, Richard Charlton, Rachel Bruerville, Nardi Simpson, Chris Sainsbury, David Banney, Brent Keogh, and Daniel Rojas, among others. Andrew commissioned and has made the premiere recording of Daniel Rojas’s Guitar Concerto No. 1 under conductor Emmanuele Baldini in São Paulo, Brazil, due for release late-2025.
Andrew is President of the Classical Guitar Society Sydney, is managed by Tier 1 Arts, plays a 2014 Greg Smallman and Sons guitar, and is sponsored by Augustine Strings and Schertler audio equipment.
María Eugenia Nieva:
María Eugenia Nieva had a childhood filled with music and singing. Beginning her musical studies at the age of six at the Niños Cantores de Mendoza music school, she joined the choir at the age of nine and performed throughout Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, and Argentina as a soloist and chorus member. María Eugenia completed her Musical Artistic Baccalaureate with a focus on Choral Conducting before her university studies.
María Eugenia began studies in Choral Conducting at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Mendoza before moving to Buenos Aires to study Musical Theater, which she did for two years. Following this María Eugenia obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Music with a focus on classical singing from the Universidad Nacional de las Artes in Buenos Aires (2020), performing as a soloist with the orchestra in various choral symphonies. In this time, María Eugenia was also chosen to sing with the choir of the Bach Akademie in Stuttgart, Germany. María Eugenia went on to obtain a postgraduate degree in Higher Education from the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, and worked as a teaching assistant at the same institution (2022).
In Argentina, María Eugenia has collaborated with pianists Leonardo Pitella and Lautaro Michaux, performed in festivals such as the El Festival de los Caminos del Vino in Mendoza, and performed as a soloist with the Orquesta Barroca de Mendoza. María Eugenia performs regularly with her partner Australian guitarist Andrew Blanch. Together they have given concerts in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston and Brisbane for Concerts Australia as well as more than 40 concerts throughout the United States of America. They jointly gave a Lecture-Recital at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Argentinian music, ‘From Tonada to Cueca to Zamba, an introduction to the world of Argentinian música folklórica’ and are passionate about sharing the depths of Argentinian music with their public.
In addition to performing, María Eugenia is passionate about education and community outreach. She has worked as a vocal coach for the Santa María Choir and the Rivadavia Municipality Choir, as well as to a choir of children with cleft lip and palate at the ‘Dr. Humberto Notti’ Children’s Hospital in Mendoza, Argentina.
