Born in Córdoba, flamenco master Paco Peña started playing guitar when he was six years old, under the tutelage of his brother. At 12, he made his professional debut. In the 1960s, the musician headed to London, where his innovative and passionate performances were greeted with enthusiasm. Across the Atlantic, the New York Times described Peña as "a virtuoso capable of dazzling an audience beyond the frets of mortal man." In 1981, the guitarist and composer founded the Centro Flamenco Paco Peña in his hometown and later became the artistic director of the Córdoba International Guitar Festival.