Thurs Feb 11, 7:30 pm
Gala Flamenca
Pastora Galván · Manuel Liñán · Belén López · Rocío Molina

This year's gala, Todo Cambia (Everything Changes), features important new figures in flamenco dance: the sensuous Pastora Galván, a versatile dancer able to navigate easily between classic and modern flamenco; Manuel Liñán, a master of technique who is steeped in tradition and known for his dramatic choreography; the passionate Belén López, who has caused a sensation in flamenco circles in recent years; and Rocío Molina, the fiery dancer who has “become one of the finest soloists in the world today (New York Times).”

New York City Center
W. 55th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues
$35, $45, $55, $75, $90
Tickets: CityTix (212) 581-1212
Special $200 WMI benefit tickets include wine and tapas reception with artists. Call (212) 545-7536 for details.

The Málaga-born Rocío Molina has become a major star in the flamenco world at the age of 25. Noted for her work with the Compañía María Pagés, Mujeres with Belén Maya and Merche Esmeralda (seen at the 2008 New York Flamenco Festival), and performances with her own company, she has been described as a revelation in flamenco dance. This program features the New York premiere of Oro Viejo (Old Gold), where she explores the passage of time accompanied by three dancers, a singer, and musicians (guitar, percussion, palmas).

“One of the (Jerez) festival’s most unforgettable performances”
 — Dance Magazine

New York City Center
W. 55th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues
$30, $35, $45, $65, $80
Tickets: CityTix (212) 581-1212

María Pagés, one of Spain’s most celebrated dancers, is known for the sinuous movement of her "endless arms" and her charismatic stage presence. Born in Sevilla, the award-winning Pagés gained international recognition as a principal dancer with the companies of Antonio Gadés, Mario Maya and Rafael Aguilár before creating her own company in 1990. For this festival, her acclaimed 15-member troupe presents Autorretrato, the introspective and soulful program that won the Giraldillo Prize for Best Show at Sevilla’s 2008 Bienal de Flamenco.

“true poetry in movement”  — La Vanguardia

New York City Center
W. 55th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues
$30, $35, $45, $65, $80
Tickets: CityTix (212) 581-1212

The Madrid-based Canteca de Macao has caused a stir in international music circles in recent years with its wild blend of flamenco, rumba, rock, punk, reggae, salsa and jazz. One of Spain’s most popular live acts, the group makes each performance into an exciting and joyful party. For this program, the nine-member group, which includes a juggler, features selections from Agua pa’ la tierra (Warner), its new CD which fervidly deals with life, the planet, water and wine. US debut.

Sponsored in part by the Regional Government of Madrid in collaboration with the New York Flamenco Festival.

Highline Ballroom
431 W. 16th St.
$20
Tickets: 212 / 414-5994

Please note: This is a standing room event with limited seating at tables.

Fri Feb 19, 8:00 pm
José Antonio Rodríguez
Daniel Navarro, guest dancer
Córdoba …en el tiempo

The award-winning José Antonio Rodríguez, one of the most remarkable guitarists in contemporary flamenco, presents Córdoba …en el tiempo, his compelling work dedicated to the city of his birth. The program reflects Rodríguez's memories of Córdoba, Spain's vibrant and romantic city that for centuries was Europe's greatest cultural center. Rodríguez has composed music for orchestras and dance companies, appeared in Carlos Saura's Flamenco and Iberia, and at the age of 20 became the youngest artist to receive the title of Official Guitar Maestro for the Córdoba Music Conservatory.   He is joined by Sebastian Cruz (vocal), Chico Gallardo (guitar), Agustin Diassera (percussion), and the captivating dancer Daniel Navarro, who appears as guest artist.

Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU
566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square South, NYC
$40, $50           
Tickets (212) 545-7536 or (212) 352-3101

This program brilliantly brings together flamenco with the Andalusian repertoire of Morocco (al-ala)  - music that originated in the medieval courts of Sevilla, Granada and Córdoba when Muslims, Jews and Christians co-existed in southern Spain. Granada’s Marina Heredia, an entrancing vocalist from the new generation of flamenco, shares the stage with the Chekara Arab-Andalusian Orchestra of Tetouan, which has collaborated with many of flamenco’s leading singers. Founded over 50 years ago by the famed Abdessadak Chekara, the orchestra is now directed by violinist and singer Jallal Chekara, Abdessadak’s nephew, and includes dancer Jara Heredia from Granada. This program marks the first time that Marina Heredia and the Chekara Orchestra will be performing together.

Town Hall
123 W. 43rd Street, NYC
$40, $50, $60
Tickets: (212) 545-7536 or Ticketmaster (212) 307-4100

Sun Feb 21, 7:00 pm
Compañía Israel Galván
La Edad de Oro

Israel Galván is widely regarded as the most innovative bailaor in flamenco today. A rebel and traditionalist who has been called “revolutionary” and “a genius,” he is known for his incredible footwork punctuated by moments of stillness and silence. Since appearing in 1994 in Compañía Andaluza de Danza under the direction of Mario Maya, he has won flamenco's most prestigious awards, including Spain's National Dance Prize.  His show La Edad de Oro (The Golden Age) strips flamenco to its bare essence, sculpting a form that resonates with the traditional while embracing the modern. Galván is joined by the renowned vocalist Fernando Terremoto, son of the legendary Terremoto, and the outstanding guitarist Alfredo Lagos, with artistic direction by Pedro G. Romero.

“a provocative and fascinating dancer"  — New York Times

Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU
566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square South, NYC
$40, $50           
Tickets (212) 545-7536 or (212) 352-3101

Photo credits: Main image: Javier Suárez; Gala: Pastora Galvan - ©Jack Vartoogian/FrontRowPhotos;Manuel Liñán -Carlos Belén;
Belen Lopez - Daniel Muñoz; Rocío Molina - ©Jack Vartoogian/FrontRowPhotos; Rocío Molina: Luis Castilla; María Pagés: Victoria Hidalgo;José Antonio Rodriguez - José Rodriguez; Israel Galvan: Felix Vasquez