New York Flamenco Festival 2009

New York’s annual flamenco celebration, now in its ninth year, features mesmerizing performances with renowned dancers and musicians direct from Andalusia, Spain. The festival, which is dedicated to the vitality of the flamenco arts of Andalusia – the birthplace of flamenco, features the award-winning vocal maestro Arcángel and virtuoso pianist Dorantes with dancer Rosario Toledo (Feb 13); dancer Isabel Bayón with guest vocalist Terremoto in the acclaimed show La Puerta Abierta (Feb 14, Feb 15); the compelling re-staging of Antonio Gades’ classic Carmen with the Antonio Gades Company (Feb 19, Feb 20); and the legendary flamenco Gypsy dynasty Los Farruco (Feb 21, 22).

Fri Feb 13
Arcángel & Dorantes with dancer Rosario Toledo This captivating concert of vocals, piano and dance features award-winning artists from the prestigious Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla. Arcángel, a commanding and impassioned vocalist, belongs to the new generation of cante flamenco maestros. The recipient of many top honors, he has dazzled audiences with his performances and recordings. Dorantes, an extraordinary pianist from a famous flamenco family, is a prominent new name in flamenco piano who incorporates elements of jazz, classical and world music in his innovative works. This program marks Dorantes’ first New York appearance. The artists are joined by Rosario Toledo, an explosive young dancer.

Sat Feb 14 & Sun Feb 15
Isabel Bayón Company with guest vocalist Terremoto Dancer/choreographer Isabel Bayón, one of the main representatives of the Sevilla school of flamenco, is known for her elegant and consummate performances. She has worked with many of the leading figures and ensembles in dance, including Israel Galván, Javier Barón, Mario Maya, Manolo Marin, Miguel Poveda, the National Ballet of Spain, and the Andalusian Dance Company. Her program, La puerta abierta (The Open Door) captures the essence and soul of flamenco and won the Giraldillo award for the best show at Seville’s Bienal de Flamenco 2006. Terremoto, son of the legendary Terremoto de Jerez and a major figure in cante flamenco, appears as special guest artist.

Thurs Feb 19 & Fri Feb 20
Antonio Gades Company: Carmen The acclaimed Antonio Gades Company, established to perform the great dancer/choreographer’s masterpieces, will present a powerful re-staging of Gades’ classic Carmen. The show, which began life as Carlos Saura’s award-winning film, is touring around the world in commemoration of its 25th anniversary. Carmen stars the earthy and sensuous Stella Arauzo, who appeared in many of Gades’ productions, and the formidable Adrian Galia, who has worked with many celebrated companies and artists, including the National Ballet of Spain, Cristina Hoyos, and Enrique Morente.

Sat Feb 21 & Sun Feb 22
Los Farruco – the first family of flamenco dance – is a famous flamenco dynasty known for its electrifying performances of Spanish Gypsy art. Conceived and directed by Farruquito, grandson of the legendary patriarch El Farruco, this program features La Farruca, daughter of El Farruco, noted for her passionate dancing; her son, Farruco, a rising star in flamenco acknowledged for his remarkable footwork; La Faraona, dubbed “the mother of buleria” by her father El Farruco; Barullo, grandson of El Farruco, who maintains the elegance of traditional flamenco dance; two guitarists; and three singers.

Ticket info: (212) 545-7536
http://www.worldmusicinstitute.org/flamenco

Related posts:

1. Bay Area: 2009 Festival of Flamenco Arts & Traditions
2. 3rd Flamenco Festival in Netherlands
3. The 20th Anniversary Celebration of Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque June 9-16-2006
4. Festival Flamenco Internacional de Albuquerque 2007
5. Maria Jose Franco Compañia de Danza Flamenca