'Les voix du cante flamenco' once again shows its commitment to up-and-coming vocal talent

The festival held in the French city of Grenoble also boasts established artists
such as El Torta and Chaquetón

Flamenco-world.com

Fernando Terremoto, Ezequiel Benítez and Melchora Ortega provide an illustration of the essence of what's on offer at the third 'Les voix du cante flamenco' festival: youth, tradition and territory. The festival, to be held in the French city of Grenoble between October 30th and November 3rd 2002, boasts a program which is a celebration of young flamenco blood, but without neglecting veteran voices such as those of El Torta and Chaquetón.

'Les voix du cante flamenco' entrusts the inauguration of the third edition to young cantaor Ezequiel Benítez from Jerez, who returns to the festival as a special guest. After this preliminary act at Grenoble Town Hall, the action is transferred to the region's Conservatoire, where the 'Noches flamencas' are to be held. Antonio Reyes, together with guitarist Pascual de Lorca al toque; Juan el Torta, accompanied by Juan Manuel Moneo on guitar; Fernando Terremoto, with Moraíto Chico; and guitarist Paco Cepero, are some of the most outstanding names on the bill. In addition, Grenoble's Theatre will play host to a double recital on Saturday evening, November 2nd: in the first part cantaora Melchora Ortega from Jerez, winner of the Bienal de Sevilla 1998 competition, will take center stage; in the second she'll be relieved by cantaor Chaquetón from Algeciras, accompanied al toque by Jerónimo Maya.

Fernando Terremoto (Photo: Javier Hurtado)

A wide selection of parallel activities are also featured at the festival. Workshops in cante, guitar, dance and compás, run by leading figures of the ilk of Fernando Terremoto, Moraíto and Manuel Soler, are top of the bill. Also programmed are seminars such as Martine Cardieu's on 'Falla et le cante jondo', Curro del Realejo's photographic exhibition and Jean Nöel Zanetti's paintings, an exhibition of the hand-crafted guitars of luthier Juan Miguel Carmona from Granada, the projection of a series of documentaries, and the presentation of various publications.

'Les voix du cante flamenco' has put South East France on the European flamenco map, providing a new meeting point for flamenco lovers. Among the leading figures of flamenco who have already passed this way are Chano Lobato, Rancapino, Juan Habichuela, Gerardo Núñez, Pepa Montes, Enrique Soto, Carmen Cortés, Arcángel, Cañizares, Diego Clavel and Calixto Sánchez. The third edition promises to live up to expectations.

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