MANILA, Philippines - Instituto Cervantes brings the passion and romance of the flamenco music in El Flamenco de Arcángel.
Arcángel, recipient of Spain’s Premio Andalucía Joven in 2002, along with flamenco guitarist José Luis Rodríguez, bring in to Manila the music that is absolutely and unmistakably Spanish flamenco from Andalucía. It is slated for Dec. 16, 7 p.m. at Instituto Cervantes.
“What better way to celebrate the Christmas season and cap off our 2009 activities than with a flamenco concert?” says Instituto Cervantes director José Rodriguez.
One of the young up-and-coming flamenco artists in Spain, Arcángel was born in Huelva in 1977. Making his debut at an early age, Arcángel won first prize the La Peña la Orden at Huelva’s children’s talent contest in 1987 — a triumph he repeated again over the next two years of the competition.
His participation in the theatrical production La Parrala, alongside Carmen Linares, marked his introduction in the professional world. Arcángel then became a household name after he sang for dancers like Cristina Hoyos, Israel Galván, and Eva la Yerbabuena.
He was also successful as a solo artist. In spite of his young age, Arcángel already has a considerable knowledge of the great styles and has mastered the different forms, as can be seen in his self- titled debut in 2001. He then continued his astounding singing technique with his second record, “La Calle Perdía,” in 2004.
Similarly, flamenco guitarist Rodríguez also began his studies as a child in Huelva at La Peña Flamenca where he met guitarist and fellow native, Antonio Sousa. At the age of 14, he had his stage debut in concert. In 1982, he was a finalist at the National Flamenco Competition in Jerez. He also made his first appearance at the International Music Festival of Ayamonte in 1983 and became a protégé of flamenco master Mario Escudero.
A seasoned concert musician and recipient of Spain’s National Award for Young Artist in 1984, Rodríguez has played in numerous places, primarily in Europe and other Latin American countries, including performances at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris; Barbican Theatre in London; and at the Palau de La Música in Barcelona, among others.
El Flamenco de Arcángel is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines, Agencia Andaluza para el Desarrollo del Flamenco, and Unión Europea FEDER. Entrance is free. For information, call 526-1482 or visit http://manila.cervantes.es Instituto Cervantes de Manila is at 855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila.