The Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla is back in 2020 with a mix of performances open to the public and streaming concerts. International audiences hindered by social distancing and travel difficulties will be able to enjoy a series of concerts streamed live.
On September 24, the Real Alcázar will play host to Universo Lorca by pianist Andrés Barrios. This will be followed on September 26 by the recital of Triana DF (Distrito Flamenco) by guitarist Joselito Acedo.
On September 16, the Church of San Luis de los Franceses will host Paraíso Perdido, featuring the viola da gamba player Fahmi Alqhai and dancer Patricia Guerrero. On September 30, at the same venue, Sevillian pianist David Peña Dorantes will premiere his new work titled Identidad..
Meanwhile Tremenda, the latest creation by Rosario La Tremendita will be presented at the Teatro Lope de Vega on September 29, and finally, on October 3, the last broadcast will offer viewers the opportunity to see La Vigilia Perfecta by acclaimed dancer Andrés Marín at the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo.
Unrestricted online access to all performances will be free of charge and open to everyone either live, during the performance itself, or available for viewing some days later on the Bienal Youtube Channel.
The Bienal had its official grand opening Friday, September 4, 2020 with a flashmob that incorporated social distancing. The flashmob featured dancers Antonio Canales and María Moreno, alongside guitarist Rafael Riqueni.
The event was streamed Friday, September 4, 2020 and flamenco dancers worldwide followed along with streaming performances from Mexico, Turkey and many other locations. It was the first of the Bienal online broadcasts.
This preview video presents the song and dance later performed September 4.
This following video showcases the 2018 flashmob. It was an inclusive event that included physically and developmentally disabled individuals.
The Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla aims to play an essential role in reactivating the performing arts in Spain after many months of confinement and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival will be instrumental in the move to open iconic theaters and venues and to demonstrate their ability to stage events for live audiences. At the same time no effort will be spared in the meticulous application of all necessary protection in order to guarantee the health of both the public and the performers.
The program includes live shows in front of audiences, incorporating a total of 45 performances by leading singers such as José Valencia, El Pele, Inés Bacán, Tomás de Perrate, La Tremendita, Pedro el Granaíno, Rafael de Utrera and Estrella Morente; prestigious musicians including Antonio Rey, Joselito Acedo, Daniel Casares, Javier Patino, Manuel de la Luz and Dorantes; and celebrated dancers such as Israel Galván, Farruquito, María del Mar Moreno, Leonor Leal, Fernando Romero, Olga Pericet, Andrés Marín, and Jesús Carmona.
Alongside these well-established names the Bienal also provides opportunities to promising young talents such as dancers Anabel Veloso, Patricia Guerrero, Mercedes de Córdoba, La Piñona, La Lupi, La Choni, Ana Morales and David Coria; singers Rancapino Chico and María Terremoto and musicians José del Tomate, Andrés Barrios, Diego Villegas, Dani de Morón, Ana Crismán and Pedro Ricardo Miño.
[headline photo: Rafael Riqueni live at the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla 2020 flashmob]
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central