2011 Mont de Marsan Flamenco Festival exalts contemporary flamenco dancing

2011 Mont de Marsan Flamenco Festival exalts contemporary flamenco dancing

Israel Galván and María Pagés head up the program, which is to be held in the French city from July 4th to 9th

Flamenco-world.com, May 2011

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Flamenco dancing is in the international news. And proof of it can be found in the shows by María Pagés and Israel Galván which head up the bill of the 2011 Mont de Marsan Flamenco Festival. The twenty-third edition of the French showcase, which is to be held from July 4th to 9th, 2011, offers a complete lineup of live baile, guitar, cante and music by artists such as Rocío Molina, Milagros Mengíbar, Antonio Rey, Luis el Zambo and Dorantes, among others. In addition to the main performances, there are children’s shows at the Thèâtre Municipal, late nights at La Bodega, baile in the street, exhibits and an Off-Festival at the nightclubs. At the same time, the course program will be held which, organized by Taller Flamenco, will be followed by nearly 400 students.

María Pagés, 'Mirada'

Catching the enthusiasm which has spread worldwide since flamenco was declared Heritage of Humanity, the 2011 Mont de Marsan Flamenco Festival has prepared a special bill. The veteran French event opens its twenty-third edition on July 4th at the Espace François Mitterrand with ‘Mirada’ by María Pagés. The hub of the program then moves to the Café Cantante. ‘Piel de bata’ is the name of the show which, on the evening of July 5th, unites maestra Milagros Mengíbar with her pupil Luisa Palicio. The day continues with the guitar recital by Antonio Rey and that of Jerez-born cantaor Luis el Zambo. On Wednesday night the spotlight will be on Israel Galván, who presents ‘La edad de oro’ together with guitarist Alfredo Lagos and cantaor David Lagos.

Rocío Molina (Photo Daniel Muñoz)

A twin bill shared by cantaor José Valencia and bailaor Farruco is the offer for July 7th. The same thing happens the following night, when the Café Cantante closes with a concert by pianist Dorantes, who brings Esperanza Fernández as his guest, and with the show ‘Danzaora’ by bailaora Rocío Molina. The close will be a combination of flamenco and gastronomy, the dinner show Cantante Gourmand illustrated on stage by cantaores Mariana Cornejo and David Palomar with ‘Gaditanía’. Agujetas put the finishing touch to the festival.

There are numerous related activities which make Mont de Marsan bend over backwards for flamenco during that week. There will be street shows starring some of the instructors of the courses organized by Taller Flamenco for some 400 students. La Bodega hosts late nights with local companies. At the Thèâtre Municipal, there will be two performances of the children’s show ‘Pista flamenca’. The Café Music will open the night of July 8th with the fusion group D’Callaos. And there will be exhibits by photographers, painters and contemporary creators. Then for those who want to keep on partying late night, the doors of downtown clubs, bars and discotheques will be open, stages of the Off-Festival.