Flamenco enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Paco Peña, the esteemed flamenco guitarist, composer, and producer, alongside his talented company, is set to grace the stage of Sadler’s Wells Theatre with “Solera” from Wednesday, April 17th to Saturday, April 20th. This highly anticipated return follows the resounding success of its initial run in 2022, promising an enthralling exploration of artistic wisdom and the fearless pursuit of new expression under the guidance of Peña and his long-time collaborator, theatre director Jude Kelly CBE.
The heart of “Solera” draws inspiration from the solera system, a traditional aging process for wine hailing from Andalucía in Southern Spain. This fascinating method involves fractional blending, resulting in a beverage that embodies a mixture of ages, with its average age increasing gradually over the years. The term “solera,” meaning “on the ground” in Spanish, refers to the lower level of the barrels used in this process, symbolizing the transfer of liquid from top to bottom, echoing the rich history and evolution of flamenco tradition.
At the core of Peña’s spectacle is the celebration of flamenco’s heritage, passed down through generations while embracing new forms of expression. “Solera” brings together both seasoned and emerging talents, uniting young and mature artists, including dancers, musicians, and singers. Witness the mesmerizing synergy as 81-year-old guitar virtuoso Paco Peña performs alongside the innovative young flamenco guitar exponent, Dani de Morón, accompanied by the rhythmic prowess of dancers Angel Muñoz, Adriana Bilbao, and Gabriel Matías, who brings his specialized flamenco expertise from Madrid.
The production beautifully captures the essence of community and collaboration inherent in flamenco, as the synchronicity of dancers’ movements intertwines with the captivating sounds of percussion, guitar, and vocals, delivering traditional and original live music that captures the soul of this art form.
Peña and Jude Kelly CBE’s collaboration spans two decades, marked by their creative endeavors such as “Voces y Ecos,” “A Compás!,” and “Flamenco sin Fronteras.” With “Solera,” their shared vision unfolds to narrate the profound story of love and reverence for the flamenco way of life, encapsulating the spirit of the art form and its enduring legacy.
Reflecting on his artistic journey, Peña shared, “The shows I present on stage always tend to follow a familiar journey: finding a meaningful idea, finding a title, in a word or two, that might contain the essence of that idea; then giving shape to it, in rehearsals with all my colleagues. And finally, with much trepidation, stepping on the stage to share it with the audience.”
Experience the passion, emotion, and unparalleled artistry of “Solera” as Paco Peña and his company bring this captivating flamenco spectacle to Sadler’s Wells Theatre once again. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless allure of flamenco tradition and witness the evolution of this remarkable art form.