Flamenco show proceeds will go towards refurbishing

The Embassy of Spain, under the patronage of HE Ambassador Celsa Nuno, will present an authentic Flamenco show on October 6 at the Courtleigh Auditorium, the total proceeds of which will go to assisting with the rehabilitation of the Ward Theatre in anticipation of its centenary next year.

The show has been entirely funded by the Spanish Government and organised with the assistance of the Ward Theatre Foundation.

Various sponsors have come on board to support the initiative.

The tickets have been made available at an affordable price that will allow Kingstonians to experience this artistic expression of Spanish culture while giving support to their national architectural patrimony.

Flamenco was declared cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in November 2010. It is an ancient and profound art through which Andalusians express grief, joy, tragedy, love, life, and death.

The performers are a quintet headed by famous guitarist El Macareno, flown in especially for the occasion from Cordoba (Andaluc'a), true birthplace of Flamenco.

The show will cover the full array of artistic expressions of Flamenco, from cante (singing), baile (dancing) to toque (guitar playing).

El Macareno has more than 30 years experience and has, along with different artistes, offered more than 500 concerts all over the world in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and France, to name a few.

In 1993, he performed at the award of the International Charlemagne Prize, one of the most prestigious European awards, to the then Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez.

Eva, the dancer, teaches students from all over the world at the International Flamenco Centre in Cordoba. Angel Reyes, male dancer, at 18 years old, has just completed studies at the Conservatorio Superior de Danza, one of only five such institutions in Spain. The group combines talent with youth and experience.

The group has over the years also shown an acute social awareness and generosity. In their trips, the artistes always find time to share their art with dance and music students. Their visit to Jamaica will be no exception, as they will offer a master class at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

The artistes will also perform under the patronage of the Spanish-Jamaican Foundation in Montego Bay on October 3 in aid of the New Seville Exhibition Centre, which is in the process of being refurbished by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

The show will be preceded by complimentary Spanish wine tasting.