Bienal de Flamenco 2012

The Bienal de Flamenco has (finally!) announced their 2012 programme.

The Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla has been going strong since 1980. It is an internationally renowned music festival that features the some of the finest flamenco performers in the world and takes place in all types of venues throughout town, from small local peñas to the magnificent Maestranza Theatre. The theme of the 2012 edition will be “De Cuerpo y Alma” (From Body and Soul). Tickets go on sale (on line) June 1st.

It’s been a long while since I’ve attended this fabulous event. Last time was eight years ago (!!) when I saw the incomparable Paco de Lucía. Think it’s time to go again…

Bienal de Flamenco 2012
3rd – 30th September

Bienal de Flamenco Website
Bienal 2012 Programme

Tunas Galore!

Sevilla has been inundated with Tunas recently, from all over Spain.

It seems there have been a few national competitions going on lately, and so Tuna sightings of late are not just of the usual youthful university students decked out in their strolling minstrel attire, hanging out at bars to make a bit of beer money and attract some attention of the female persuasion.

These days there has not only been an increase in the number of Tunas, but many of them include more mature members (university profs?) and have a much more professional look about them. I ran into one such group having tapas last Saturday while out on Tapeo Extremo II and found out they were from Málaga.

And last night while I was out on a Tapas Tour we came across a rather large group of Tunas taking up at least four tables outside a bar near the cathedral. So of course I had to ask what was going on, as they didn’t seem like the typical Sevilla Tunas – and sure enough, it turned out they were from Granada.

Then this morning I came across a rather swish looking group of Tunas coming down my street and I had to stop them and ask what was going on. They were on their way to the Facultad de Derecho for today’s competition and seemed very excited and I am sorry to say I forgot to ask them for a photo.

But here you can see last night’s group. A bit wobbly in parts as I only had my iPhone on me, but they were lovely guys and you can see how much fun they were having. I love the Tunas.

[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vizLblyxjpw”]

Nights at the Royal Alcazar Gardens

 

Tonight was the first in the summer-long series of night-time concerts in the magical  Royal Alcázar Gardens.

The music ranges from medieval, renaissance and baroque to classical, jazz, cuban and blues and the setting is exquisite.

Make sure to buy your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out quickly. Tickets are 4 euros or 5 euros by internet.

Programmacion
Noches en los Jardines del Real Alcázar

 

 

 

 

XVI bienal de flamenco

The world-renowned Bienal de Flamenco in Sevilla has taken place every two years since it was first established in 1980 and features performances from the world’s most respected baile (dance), toque (guitar) and cante (singing) artists, taking place in various venues around Sevilla. I’m still hoping to get to the closing concert if anyone has a spare ticket….

XVI Bienal de Flamenco
15th September – 9th October 2010

Programme 2010