Flamenco in London: Paco Peña’s “Solera”

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… Read More