‘It’s all about the feeling’ – in conversation with Espíritu Flamenco
Following a fantastic performance here back in 2023, Espíritu Flamenco have created another fantastic night of dance, music and song which you can catch live on our stage on Friday 9 May. We caught up with Sarah Chambers, who has brought guitarist Jesús Guerrero together with dancer and choreographer Andrés Peña and singer David Carpio, for the event.
Can you tell us a bit more about Espíritu Flamenco as an organisation?
Espíritu Flamenco is a small family business, run as collective with other musicians and friends. The aim is to share enjoyment of flamenco music and dance. I want to bring this complex and fascinating art form to music lovers across the north-west of England. I believe that music and dance are good for the soul, good for mental health and good for physical fitness. My passion is flamenco. I run classes, community events and I bring world class flamenco artists to Manchester and beyond.
How do you go about choosing the artists to work together for an event like this?
Jesús has been a favourite of mine for many years and since the pandemic I have seen him perform with Andrés twice and the shows have been some of the most enjoyable that I have ever seen and heard. We were looking for a guitar show and Jesús is a brilliant soloist as well as a very accomplished member of a group, I was not surprised when he won a prize for his accompaniment at the Bienal of Seville last year. When I invited them, I asked them which singer they would like with and I am proud to bring David, I particularly like the singers of Jerez. This team has presented some great shows over the past few years. In general, I invite dancers who I think are exceptionally musical and we try to bring a well-balanced team that particularly enjoy working together.
What are you most excited about for this particular show?
I have been enjoying the music that Jesús has composed and performed recently, I am very excited to hear him play live again. He released a great album with Miguel Poveda last year and I find his ‘Viaje Imaginario’ music that he presented at the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla completely captivating. I also love his guest artists and am looking forward to seeing and hearing them together again. I think that they are a particularly well balanced team, each an expert but never overshadowing each other. They perform together with enjoyment and humour but also with respect and appreciation. As a classical musician I appreciate the balance and structure of Jesús’s music, as well as the passion and excitement and the way that he connects with singers, dancers and with their audience.
How would you describe the experience who hasn’t been to a traditional flamenco show before?
Flamenco at this level is not trivial, it is intense and complex. I find it beautiful, interesting and hypnotic in a way. Time seems to pass quickly as we are swept up in the moment. The rhythms are incredible, and the best artists leave a little space for improvisation on a journey of powerful emotions. The most unusual part is the traditional flamenco song, which is presented in a range of variations that are personal to the performer. The melody lines rise, circle and eventually fall at the end of a phrase. The singing style is natural and close to the sound of speaking, with huge variation from tender to harsh. The aim of these performers is not to impress, it is to lift each other up to transmit the emotions of the flamenco ‘palo’ being performed. Enthusiasts from the audience will shout encouragement when they hear something that they particularly like, which transforms the connection into even more energy from these virtuoso performers. It’s all about the feeling.
Espíritu Flamenco presents: Jesús Guerrero in Concert with Guest Artists Andrés Peña and David Carpio is on Friday 9 May 2025, 7:30pm
Presented by www.espirituflamenco.com
