Flamenco Days returning
Photo: Shachar Livni
Flamenco Days festival opens in March
Annual flamenco festival includes workshop, kids' show and performance by dancers Pastora Galvan, Joaquin Grilo
The Flamenco Days festival will be opening on March 18 at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Tel Aviv. The opening act will include Spanish dancers Pastora Galvan and Joaquin Grilo, accompanied by pianist and composer David Pena, who is considered one of the leading musicians in his field.
Combining traditional flamenco with jazz, Pena will be joined by a band including a contrabass, percussion instruments and castanets.
This year's Flamenco Days festival marks its 16th year running, and as in past years will combine performances and events for the whole family, including "Alma's Golden Shoes", a show that combines dance and flamenco for children aged four to eight.
Musician Sasson Levi, together with a flamenco dancer, will give a workshop on flamenco basics for children and youths. In addition, the film "Por El Flamenco" by director Shem Shemy will be screened during the festival.
The "Israeli Flamenco Morning" events will allow for a sneak peak into the works of young groups and dancers from around the country. The festival will conclude in a gala event with the participation of singer Dafna Dekel.
The Flamenco Days festival was founded 16 years ago in memory of dancer Adi Agmon, who died of cancer. The Adi Foundation works to promote and advance flamenco culture in Israel by bringing leading musicians, dancers, and artists from the field to perform and give workshops in Israel.
Every other year the festival also includes a national flamenco competition. The winner receives a scholarship to the Cristina Heeren Flamenco Foundation in Spain. Past winners include Yasmin Levy and Shuki Shweiki.
