The premiere of ‘Lluvia’ by Eva Yerbabuena and ‘Homenaje a Mario Maya’ flank the bill of Festival de Jerez 2009

María Pagés, Javier Barón, Ángel Muñoz, Rocío Molina, Isabel Bayón and Mercedes Ruiz, among the artists scheduled from February 27th to March 14th

S.C./Flamenco-world.com, November 2008

Show schedule Dance course schedule

The premiere of ‘Lluvia’ by Eva Yerbabuena inaugurates it and the tribute ‘Homenaje a Mario Maya’ coordinated by Belén Maya closes it. The bill of Festival de Jerez 2009 is presented with these credentials. The thirteenth edition of the event offers over forty flamenco dancing and Spanish dance shows from February 27th to March 14th, 2009. The festival will include shows such as ‘Autorretrato’ by María Pagés, ‘Inspiración’ by Juan Diego, Ángel Muñoz and Adela Campallo, ‘De entre la luna y los hombres’ by Fuensanta la Moneta, ‘Mi último secreto’ by Mercedes Ruiz... Joining these large-scale shows at the Teatro Villamarta are new dance proposals at the Sala Compañía like ‘Algo’ by Concha Jareño, cante recitals accompanied by female guitarists at the Palacio de Villavicencio and late-night musical encounters at the Bodega de los Apóstoles like the one by Pepe Habichuela and Dave Holland. Moreover, the wide range of dance courses is joined by new features such as the rhythm workshops for all publics and even a ‘Guardería flamenca’ (‘Flamenco Daycare Center’) for children.

Juan Diego and Adela Campallo, 'Inspiración' (Photo Daniel Muñoz)

Large-scale baile

The program at the Teatro Villamarta, dedicated to large-scale shows, opens with the premiere of ‘Lluvia’ (27) by Eva Yerbabuena. The Granada-born bailaora and choreographer, who last appeared on this stage two years ago with ‘Santo y seña’, has violinist Ara Malikian as guest artist in this show. Also to be seen for the first time is ‘Inspiración’ (28), a show in which Ángel Muñoz and Adela Campallo dance and choreograph the music from the upcoming album by guitarist Juan Diego, winner of the Copa Jerez 2008. Another new show is the one by Úrsula López, Rafael Campallo and Miguel Ángel Berna, who explore the connections between flamenco dancing and the ‘jota aragonesa’ in ‘Flamenco se escribe con jota’ (9).

Young bailaoras have a privileged place in this edition. Fuensanta la Moneta presents ‘De entre la luna y los hombres’ (5), Rocío Molina stages her new ‘Oro viejo’ (7), Mercedes Ruiz reveals ‘Mi último secreto’ (11) and Pilar Ogalla side by side with Andrés Peña brings together Cádiz and Jerez in ‘Cádiz de la Frontera’ (8). But they share it, of course, with acclaimed figures of the genre such as María Pagés with ‘Autorretrato’ (3), Isabel Bayón with ‘Tórtola Valencia’ (6), Javier Barón with ‘Dos voces para un baile’ (4) and veteran Carmen Cortés with ‘Mujeres de Lorca’ (12). Spanish dance will be taken care of by Aída Gómez with ‘Permíteme bailarte’ (1) and Antonio Márquez with ‘Antonio’ (13). An entire range of live baile which will be topped off by ‘Homenaje a Mario Maya’ (‘Tribute to Mario Maya’) (14), who died on September 27th, coordinated by his daughter, the bailaora Belén Maya.

Isabel Bayón, 'Tórtola Valencia' (Photo Daniel Muñoz)

Javier Barón, 'Dos Voces para un baile' (Photo Daniel Muñoz)

María Pagés, 'Autorretrato' (Photo Daniel Muñoz)

Singular stages

Proximity and intimacy are the slogans of the Sala Compañía. New baile shows will be performed on this stage such as ‘Algo’ by Concha Jareño, ‘Del primer paso’ by Rosario Toledo, ‘Del Quivir’ by Ángeles Gabaldón and ‘Bailando para mí’ by María José Franco, among others. In the series ‘Con nombre propio’ (‘With a Name of Their Own’), there is room for the baile by maestras like Carmelilla Montoya and Concha Vargas, and that of up-and-coming artists such as Pastora Galván. It is precisely her father, José Galván, who also resorts to this solo space, but under the heading ‘Maestros’. A section which contrasts with ‘Novísimos’ (‘The Highly Original’), which groups together new names like those of David Pérez, Alfonso Losa and Carmen Iniesta.

Besides the former Jesuit church, there are other historical places where you can listen to live flamenco. At the Bodega de los Apóstoles, there will be chic late-night recitals. Performing there will be Tomatito in concert, Pepe Habichuela and Dave Holland blending flamenco and jazz, and the tandem formed by Paco Jarana and Segundo Falcón, among others. In the afternoons, flamenco also appears at the former Alcázar. In a hall of the Palacio de Villavicencio, cante and toque will sound naturally. And on this occasion, the stars will not just be the female cantaoras Tamara Tañé, Marga de Jerez and Rocío Márquez, but also the young female guitarists accompanying them such as Antonia Jiménez, Laura González and Celia Morales.

Dave Holland and Pepe Habichuela (Photo Daniel Muñoz)

Rhythm workshops

At the same time, the festival’s educational area does nothing but to enrich its offer. Added to the complete dance course schedule are new rhythm and clapping workshops aim at the general public. They will be taught by David Morán and Jerónimo Utrilla at two levels: elementary and advanced. Another way of getting to know flamenco throughout the festival will be to attend the interactive flamenco classes ‘Aprende a distinguir los estilos’ (‘Learn to distinguish the styles’), by Eduardo Rebollar. They will be held on March 5th and 12th at 5:30 p.m. at the Palacio de Villavicencio. To make it easier for students with children, the organization has also provided a ‘Flamenco Daycare Center’. In addition, there are the Tertulias (Round-tables) at the Bodega at noon, the activities scheduled at the peñas at midnight, and off the bill, the nightlife at bars and taverns.

Fuensanta la Moneta, 'De entre la luna y los hombres' (Photo Nono Guirado)