Which flamenco artist sells out Sadler's Wells every year for nearly a week? Paco Pena of course. The genius guitarist and onetime Londoner returns every summer with a new show. This year, he has chosen to pay homage to the late Spanish poet and playwright Federico Garcia Lorca on the 80th anniversary of his execution.
What makes Pena's appearances so precious is his extraordinary playing. From the moment the diminutive guitarist walks discreetly on stage and starts strumming his instrument, the audience listens in awe. To those of us who are accustomed to hearing flamenco guitar, Pena's sound is something else -- exquisitely nuanced, technically flawless, effortlessly beautiful.
And Pena invites gifted dancers onstage, too. As in previous years, superstar Angel Munoz -- one of Spain's greatest male dancers -- took to the stage, often in duets with Mayte Bajo. But he also performed a mind-blowing farruca solo to a powerful instrumental by Paco Pena. Munoz sensitively wove his choreography around Pena's delicate guitar riffs, and performed powerful crescendo foot work at the end. My dance highlight of the evening.
All I can say is, I look forward to next year's show. Ole Paco!
What makes Pena's appearances so precious is his extraordinary playing. From the moment the diminutive guitarist walks discreetly on stage and starts strumming his instrument, the audience listens in awe. To those of us who are accustomed to hearing flamenco guitar, Pena's sound is something else -- exquisitely nuanced, technically flawless, effortlessly beautiful.
And Pena invites gifted dancers onstage, too. As in previous years, superstar Angel Munoz -- one of Spain's greatest male dancers -- took to the stage, often in duets with Mayte Bajo. But he also performed a mind-blowing farruca solo to a powerful instrumental by Paco Pena. Munoz sensitively wove his choreography around Pena's delicate guitar riffs, and performed powerful crescendo foot work at the end. My dance highlight of the evening.
All I can say is, I look forward to next year's show. Ole Paco!
