Key points

Flamenco guitarist and composer Jin Oki received a Special Mention for his composition "Círculos～Circle～" at the 2nd Cajasol International Flamenco Symphony Composition Competition held by Spain's Cajasol Foundation on October 2, 2026. This competition specializes in flamenco symphonies that fuse traditional flamenco forms with classical orchestration, attracting 16 entries from around the world. Oki's piece, structured in three movements, thematically depicts a cultural journey from Japan to Spain. The judges highly praised its autobiographical and cultural fusion concept. [1] [2] [3]

Overview of the Award and Judging Results

On October 2, 2026, Jin Oki received the Special Mention (Mención Extraordinaria) at the 2nd Cajasol International Flamenco Symphony Composition Competition in Spain for his work "Círculos～Circle～." [1] [2] [3]

The competition focuses on flamenco symphonies that combine traditional flamenco forms with classical orchestration. Entries must be scored for full orchestra and include at least one flamenco singer and two flamenco guitarists. Sixteen works were submitted from various countries worldwide, with six advancing to the finals. [1] [2] [3]

The judging panel consisted of three members, including Carlos Pacheco Torres, who holds a doctorate in flamenco orchestration. They evaluated the works under strict criteria. The first prize was awarded to Spain's Alejandro Marco Gómez Lopera for "Te di el cielo." [1] [2] [3]

Structure and Theme of the Awarded Work "Círculos～Circle～"

Jin Oki's awarded composition "Círculos～Circle～" consists of three movements: the first movement is an Alegrías titled "Acordes aborde～On the Street and On the Ship～," the second movement is a Media Granaina titled "Con tu sombra," and the third movement is a Bulería titled "Fantasium." [2] [4]

The piece thematically represents a journey from Japan to Spain, using the motif of a "circle" to depict the interaction of different cultures and identities. Its autobiographical concept features musical themes traveling from the East to Spain, transforming as they approach flamenco, and ultimately returning. [2] [4]

The work expresses a place where the distinct sensibilities of Andalusia and Japan coexist, overcoming cultural differences to unite as a single voice. Jin Oki stated that this composition marks a new starting point for him as a composer. Ryū Kawasaki assisted with arrangement corrections and scoring during production. [2] [4] [5]

Comments from Jin Oki Regarding the Award

Jin Oki described the awarded work as themed on "an endless journey around flamenco," explaining, "Life's journey seems to move straight ahead but actually traces a circle." The piece depicts a process starting from Japan, passing through cultural encounters in Granada and Jerez in Spain, and culminating in flamenco. [2] [4] [5]

He also expressed that through this work, he has reached a new starting point not only as a flamenco guitarist but also as a composer. Oki looks forward to opportunities to perform and record the piece in the future. He also expressed gratitude to Ryū Kawasaki for his involvement in the production. [2] [4] [5]