La Candela Flamenco

Flutist

Teodora Stoyanova received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the National Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has toured Europe. After moving to the USA, she performed with the Atlanta Flute Ensemble, ‘Aulos Winds’ & DaSalo Solisti" Chamber Orchestra. She is the principal flutist of the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Gwinnett Symphony Jazz Orchestra. Teodora believes that music is an integral part of life and she loves working on projects that combine different forms of art as poetry, theater, and dance, and explore different styles and genres.

Pianist

Tony Castillo is a passionate pianist and music producer.  With a love for music that started at a young age, he developed his skills as a keyboardist at the Berklee College of Music. Throughout his career, Tony has had the incredible opportunity to tour with renowned artists, including Tiffany, the iconic pop star from the '80s. His experiences have allowed him to explore a wide range of musical styles, showcasing his versatility along the way. When he’s not on stage, Tony focuses on teaching classical music to children, sharing his love for music, and inspiring the next generation of musicians. Tony's heart truly shines through in his performances with La Candela Flamenco, where he blends traditional flamenco elements with contemporary influences. His goal is to connect with audiences and celebrate the rich heritage of flamenco music and dance. 

Drums, Percussion, Storytelling

Dave Holland is a multi-percussionist who’s comfortable performing in any genre. During an eight year stint as a U.S. Navy musician, Dave performed in jazz, bluegrass, concert, and rock music ensembles. It was his keen interest in other cultures that lead Dave to travel to the Middle East, West Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean to study the instruments & rhythms from other parts of the world. Today, he incorporates his passion for ‘all things rhythm’ into a career as a performer, teaching artist, drum circle facilitator author & workshop presenter.

Drums, Percussion

Originally from Havana, Cuba, Juan brings a wealth of experience from his years performing and touring with the internationally acclaimed Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba.  As a percussionist and composer, Juan played a vital role in blending flamenco’s power and strength with the rich rhythms of Cuba, contributing to the distinctive style that defines Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba's productions.

Guitarist  & Composer

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and currently residing in New York City, Ricardito is a distinguished flamenco guitarist who has made significant contributions to the world of music as a performer, composer, and music director. His artistry has been showcased at some of the most prestigious flamenco and music festivals across the Americas, including the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival, Encuentro de Arte Flamenco de América in Mexico City, Expolatino in Calgary and Canada. He also performed at the Victoria Flamenco Festival in Canada, the Festival Internacional de Flamenco “Sur Jondo” in Puerto Montt, Chile, the Festival Internacional Cervantino “Flor Andaluza Raíz Guerrerense” in Guanajuato, Mexico, and participated in the Victoria Flamenco Festival. Ricardito also performs annually at the Hudson

Valley Flamenco Fesitval. In addition to his festival appearances, Ricardito has collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as Juan Gabriel, Emanuel, José Mora, Alvera De León, and Susana Harp, both as a performer and as a music director.