A young guitarist with golden hands shares the stage with his former teacher for a tribute concert to Barbara

No doubt they will both have a pang in their hearts when they enter the stage of the Olympe-de-Gouges theater in Montauban (Tarn-et-Garonne), Tuesday, November 5 in the evening. On the one hand Alba, part-time professional singer, who shares her life with her job as a Spanish teacher. On the other, Ismael Suama, an Angolan refugee, arrived in France even though he did not speak a word of French.

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Two destinies forever linked by the love of music, of the classics of the national repertoire and who will undoubtedly exchange tons of emotion during their concert in tribute to Barbara.

Reunion last year

Two separate personalities who nevertheless drifted apart, before finding each other again, as if nothing had happened. “We met again last year after several years apart. She told me that she wanted me to join the musical direction of this concert. I accepted without hesitation.”

In this performance, the guitarist sees it as the culmination of his journey. “Playing here with Alba represents this openness that France allowed me by welcoming me during my adolescence. It’s a summary of the emotions that went through me during my integration. It’s very strong for me emotionally” , confides the guitarist.

The show is already sold out

Before taking the plunge, the two musicians, surrounded by the orchestra, spent the past week in residence at the theater. History of rehearsal of course, and to deliver a show calibrated for the spectators who robbed the ticket office. Because the show has been sold out for many weeks.

A perfectionist to his fingertips, the guitarist speaks at each stop to try to correct an intention or a nuance that was not entirely respected. Because in addition to being the guitarist, Ismael had the honor of choosing the musicians who will appear on stage with Alba and him. “The drummer is my former undergraduate roommate, the accordionist is a friend from Aveyron and I knew the double bass player at the conservatory,” says Ismael.

“Transmitting emotions to the public”

But be careful, this is not favoritism. “I don't play with musicians but with people. It's the personality of the person in front that interests me. For me, the musician is a technician. It's the person behind the technician who gives me interested, so that it in turn transmits emotions to the public. It is if there is an exchange that the concert is successful.

Spectators should expect a special moment. Living up to the talent, background and personality of the artists on stage.