José María Gallardo del Rey is a Spanish guitarist, composer, and conductor born in Seville on May 18, 1961.

Classically trained, he is internationally acclaimed for his talent in merging classical music with flamenco, collaborating with artists such as Plácido Domingo and Paco de Lucía.

He has composed over one hundred works, including solo guitar pieces, concertos, theater music, and soundtracks. 

As founder and director of the chamber group “La Maestranza,” his compositions have influenced dance and have been performed at leading music festivals.

Recognized as a musical ambassador of Spain, he has recorded for labels such as Deutsche Grammophon and Universal, and directs the Spanish Guitar Academy.