The Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival returns to the Los Angeles area for two nights only at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center April 1 & 2, 2023 at 8pm. The festival will include two completely different programs featuring such renown Spanish flamenco artists as dancers Pastora Galván and Antonio Canales, along with musicians Dorantes, Cheyén, Ana Crismán, David de Arahal, and vocalists David el Galli, and Manuel de la Tomasa. For many of these extraordinary artists this will be their first time performing in the U.S. and Los Angeles area. Tickets are on sale now.
The Los Angeles International Flamenco Festive will also include an art exhibition with works by Parsi painter and dancer Afroz André in the art gallery at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center prior to the show, starting at 6pm and during the post-show VIP Meet-and-Greet Reception.
Pastora Galván – Photo courtesy of the artist.
On Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 8 p.m., InterAcción (Interaction) features Dorantes, the world-renowned flamenco visionary and Spanish Gypsy pianist. Born in Lebrija (Sevilla province) he is the grandson of Spanish singer María La Perrata, the son of Flamenco guitarist and composer Pedro Peña and his flamenco roots go even deeper as he is also a relative of two of the most respected female flamenco singers, Fernanda and Bernarda de Utrera.
“Dorantes made a name for himself in the world of flamenco with an instrument that, in principle, is totally foreign to the tradition of this genre. A piano with intelligence, conviction, and authenticity with which Dorantes fuses the melodies and rhythms typical of flamenco, impressionist music, and jazz. Dorantes shares the stage with Pastora Galván, one of the most sought-after flamenco dancers in the world and 2002 winner of the “Premio Nacional Matilde Coral,” and percussionist Cheyén, for an incredibly unique and intense flamenco performance for all the senses.” From press release by Susan Gordon
Ana Crisman – Photo Courtesy the artist
Dorantes shares the stage with dancer Pastora Galván, percussionist Cheyén, and guest flamenco harpist Ana Crismán who opens the performances of both nights.
“Ana Crismán is the only known musician who plays and composes flamenco on harp, Crismán and her Arpa Jonda have played iconic venues such as the Teatro Villamarta, the Alhambra of Granada in the Festival de Música y Danza de Granada (Fex) and in international festivals such as the Sfinks Mixed Festival 2018 (Belgium), and the Festival Musicale del Mediterraneo (Italy).” From press release by Susan Gordon
Antonio Canales – Photo courtesy of the artist.
Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 8 p.m. brings La Guitarra Canta featuring world-renowned flamenco director, dancer and choreographer Antonio Canales who has appeared as a guest artist with some of the world’s top dance companies. Canales’s show Torero was nominated for an Emmy award in 1995 and was awarded the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 2020. For this evening’s performance, Canales shares the stage with vocalists David el Galli and Manuel de la Tomasa, guitarist David de Arahal, Cheyén on percussion and flamenco harpist Ana Crismán.
Saturday, April 1, 2023; 8pm
InterAcción
Featuring Pastora Galván (dancer) & Dorantes (piano) with Cheyén (percussion)
Special Guest Ana Crismán (flamenco harp)
Sunday, April 2, 2023; 8pm
La Guitarra Canta
Featuring Antonio Canales (dancer) with David el Galli (vocals), Manuel de la Tomasa (vocals), David de Arahal (guitar), & Cheyén (percussion)
Special Guest Ana Crismán (flamenco harp)
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WHAT: The Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival.
WHO/WHEN:
Saturday, April 1, 2023; 8 p.m.:
Ana Crismán, Arpa Flamenca
InterAcción features: Dorantes, pianist/composer; Pastora Galván, dancer; and Cheyén, percussion.
Sunday, April 2, 2023; 8 p.m.:
Ana Crismán, Arpa Flamenca
La Guitarra Canta features: Antonio Canales, flamenco director/dancer/choreographer; David el Galli, vocals; Manuel de la Tomasa, vocals; David de Arahal, guitar; Cheyén, percussion
Presented by Kala Koa Entertainment, The Los Angeles International Flamenco Festival, and Leplató Productions
WHERE:
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
TICKETS: $45 – $95; $165 VIP includes a post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, includes paella & tapas from Savory Roads Catering. To purchase tickets, please click HERE.
For more information on the Los Angeles Flamenco Festival, please visit their website.
Watch promo trailer HERE.
Written and compiled by Jeff Slayton from information provided by Susan Gordon, sgordon823@gmail.com
Featured image: Dorantes and Pastora Galván – Photo courtesy of the artists.
