Contact Phillip Bates (left)

Phil first studied Flamenco in Seville, Spain, in 1975 with Paco Romero guitarist at Los Gallos Flamenco Tableau.

In 1985 he co-founded the Guitar Academy of Canterbury with Belgian guitarist Michel Eliard and Australian guitarist Robert Dejong. Returning to Spain in 1986 he studied with guitarist Leo Molina, learning to accompany Flamenco dancers in advanced classes at El Amor De Dios Studios Madrid. In 1991 he revisited Madrid and played for classes and at private Juegas.

Moving to Sydney, Phillip became involved in Flamenco playing at various venues incl. Sydney Festival (six performances) Sydney Harbour Casino (resident guitarist in duo with Roberto Varga; resident Flamenco teacher at Sydney Spanish Club; performed at Sydney Opera House (multicultural festival); toured with Flamenco troupe Luna Nueva (School and Music Society program).

Phillip now lives in Christchurch where he teaches Flamenco at the recently opened New Zealand School of Spanish Guitar. He has joined the band Romi with guitarist Zoran Donkov in the fusion of Spanish, Gypsy and contemporary music.

Zoran Donkov (centre)

Macedonian-born Zoran Donkov studied at the University of Kiril and Metodij in Skopje. He has been a member of the Macedonian Concert Directory since 1979. He acquired most of his guitar skills studying with renowned Macedonian artists.

Performing lead guitar and vocals he toured with the band Krik throughout the 1980s and played in various tourist resorts on the Adriatic Coast. As a solo performer Zoran has played in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and other countries in Europe.

Since arriving in New Zealand in 1987 he has performed and recorded original works, played in numerous concerts at the Christchurch Arts Centre, and has toured with an African band, playing at a number of venues and festivals throughout then country. He also played in his own band Nuevo Flamenco at various Christchurch venues and is currently carrying on his passion for Spanish guitar music by developing a repertoire of a fusion of guitar styles for his new band Romi.

Rob Wilkinson (right)

Rob Wilkinson is primarily a guitarist and has worked in that capacity in Christchurch for the last 24 years. In addition, he plays bass, drums, keyboard, flute, blues harp, and sings, although bass and drums are the only secondary instruments he performs.

The styles Rob has preferred to play during the last 24 years usually involve some kind of modern jazz hybrid, although he also plays modern pop music or M.O.R. Recently he has added Latin to his repertoire in both Gypsy and Cuban style.

Rob's formal recording career began 20 years ago with Radio NZ, featuring jazz by the band "Freefall." Since then he has recorded in most of the studios in Christchurch and also in the Radio NZ studio in Wellington for the Helen Mulholland album 'Don't Panic.'