FLAMENCO AT THE Y

Prepare for an unforgettable evening of fiery passion and musical brilliance on Saturday, January 25, 2025, as the YHA Katoomba transforms into a vibrant celebration of Flamenco.

Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring rhythms of world-class flamenco with breathtaking performances by renowned artists Tomás Arroquero and Paco Lara. These masters of flamenco will captivate you with the intensity of their dance and the spellbinding allure of their guitar.

The evening opens with a special showcase featuring the rising talent of FlamencoVero students, setting the stage for a night that promises to ignite the senses. Enjoy an exclusive selection of Spanish tapas, specially curated for the event, with platters designed for two, blending authentic flavours with the artistry of the evening. You can purchase your platter at a later date, if preferred. Just login to Flamenco At The Y and go straight to Add-ons. This is a BYO event.

Join us for an extraordinary cultural experience where tradition, elegance, and passion come together. Sit back, savour the tapas, and let the magic of Flamenco transport you.

TOMAS ARROQUERO

An excerpt from Tomas Arroquero performing in January, 2024 at the YHA in Katoomba NSW

A longer version from a live performance in January, 2024 at the YHA in Katoomba NSW

Tomas Arroquero has spent over 20 years training and working as a dancer in Spain, the source of Flamenco.

He trained for 7-years in Madrid at El Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Española Amor de Dios. While studying with founding members Maria Magdalena, El Ciro and Paco Romero, Tomas worked in theatre and tablao settings across Spain and Europe.

Tomas collaborated with numerous companies including Clara Ramona and Isabel Olivide in Madrid, Mi Flamenco in the UK and Gisa Michelón in Germany. Many productions engaged with a mixture of Madrid and Jerez-based artists.

These performances opened the way for Tomas’s explorations with Flamenco. In 2001 he moved to Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz), and began refining his practice while living amongst Andalusian culture.

He studied with local artists Ana Maria Lopez and Maria Bermudez, working at Peña El Lagá del Tio Parrilla and Dama Juana in Jerez. He performed for 6-years as a soloist with the London-based company Flamenco Express.

In 2007 he moved to Seville training with Isabel Bayón and Alejandro Granados to name a few.

Tomas teaches Flamenco internationally and continues to have a presence in the UK, Taiwan and Hong Kong. He currently teaches in Melbourne and maintains partnerships with dance schools in Australia, including The Australian Ballet School.

He has made several guest appearances with Diana Reyes Flamenco in Sydney and Areti Flamenco in Adelaide.

Tomas is passionate about making innovative work in collaborative contexts. He is the producer of “Sonidos Flamencos”, which brings together a number Melbourne based dancers and musicians.

His recent postgraduate studies shift flamenco into the broader context of contemporary dance making. These include a Master of Fine Art (Dance 2014 – 2016), Graduate Research at the Faculty of VCA and MCM, University of Melbourne.

Perceiving dance through a kinaesthetic lens has opened up rich territory for him to stretch the boundaries of the form and renegotiate Flamenco’s defining characteristics.

PACO LARA

Francisco Lara Puerto, better known as PACO LARA is an acclaimed flamenco guitarist from the cradle of flamenco, Jerez de la Frontera (Spain).

Paco started playing guitar at the very young age of 8 and began working professionally when he was 16, recording 2 albums and touring extensively with his brother José Lara. Paco was also teacher, mentor and promoter of his other brother Santiago Lara, considered today one of the best flamenco guitarists in the world.

Embodying the unmistakable and genuine Jerez style of flamenco guitar playing, Paco Lara has toured internationally alongside Maestro Paco Cepero, one of flamenco’s most legendary guitarists and composers.

Also, Paco has been at the vanguard of Flamenco Fusion music genre, with hugely successful bands such as El Barrio (from 2000 to 2003) and Los Delinqüentes (from 2007 to 2011).

Apart from his skill as a formidable soloist, Paco is also revered for his ability as an accompanist in the specialised world of flamenco singing (Cante), recording and performing with a number of flamenco’s most significant artists including: Beni de Cádiz, El Torta, Capullo de Jerez, La Macanita, Remedios Amaya, José de los Camarones, etc.

Paco has toured with the main figure of “Copla Española”, Isabel Pantoja in Santiago de Chile, Festival Viña del Mar 2017 and Lima (Peru).

As an accompanist to flamenco dance (Baile), Paco has participated in many European tours with famed flamenco dancer Mercedes Ruiz in her shows: “Dibujos en el Aire”, “Gestos de Mujer” and “Perspectivas”. The latter was awarded the “Critics Choice” at The Festival de Jerez in 2011 and was presented in variety of prestigious programs and festivals across Europe in 2012/2013 including: “Festival de la Guitarra de Córdoba” Córdoba - Spain, “Festival Plaza Flamenca”, Beziers - France, “Teatro Compac Gran Vía Madrid” Madrid - Spain, “Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez” Jerez - Spain, “Bienal de Sevilla” Seville - Spain, “Oktoberfest” Munich - Germany, “Moscow International House of Music” Moscow - Russia, “Flamenco Festival” St. Petersburg - Russia, etc.

Throughout his long and fruitful career, Paco Lara has recorded over 20 albums with some of the best flamenco artists in Spain.

In 2017 Paco moved with his family to Australia and has since called Down Under his home. In Australia, he performed across the country with different flamenco dance companies.

In July 2018 he returned to his town to participate in The Jerez International Guitar Festival, both in concert and as a member of the Jury of the international guitar competition.

In August 2018 Paco performed in The Sydney Guitar Festival.

Paco continued performing with various artists, but in 2019, an idea was born and he slowly and meticulously began working on his first solo album “The Andalusian Guitar”, which was officially released in 2020 and, despite COVID pandemic and delays of its promo tour, turned out to be a great success. This album has been presented at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in Australia, but it was his performances at The Sydney Opera House (27/03/2021) and at The Adelaide Guitar Festival (09/07/2021) that have brought him the highest accolades and placed Paco’s flamenco guitar music at the very top of the Australian music scene being recognised as the most prominent flamenco guitarist living in the southern hemisphere.

At the end of 2022, Paco finished his second solo album “Duende” to the delight of his growing fanbase in Australia and overseas. He is currently on a tour with his ensemble promoting it across Australia. “Duende” Tour has been proudly sponsored by Australia Council for the Arts and has been presented at the best theatres and festivals in Australia, including The Adelaide International Guitar Festival (July/2023).

“DUENDE” has been the most represented flamenco show in Australia with more than 40 shows in 2023.