Grafenauer flamenco project feat. José Montaña

Thursday, May 9th, at 20:00
Club of Cankarjev dom

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Izidor Erazem Grafenauer, guitar
Jošt Lampret, electric bass
Ana Mezgec, violin
Bernardo Brizani, cello
Luka Ipavec, trumpet
Urška Centa, dance and palmas
José Montaña, percussion

The 2024 edition of the contemporary flamenco cycle Noches de Tablao kicks off with an event that signifies an important landmark in the landscape of Slovenian musical creativity in flamenco. The domestic music scene has gained a new asset with the release of the album Ventana Abierta, a work that brings together outstanding Slovenian and Spanish creators, who have collaborated in previous years within the cycle program, injecting it with a breath of fresh air and innovation. At the forefront of the album are internationally recognized virtuosos, who, under the conceptual leadership of Izidor Erazem Grafenauer, invite listeners to enter the world of original flamenco music influenced by various musical genres, classical music, and jazz.

The program consists of Grafenauer’s original compositions, based on flamenco palos, with each piece reflecting the author’s reflection of the world around him, years of dedication to crafting the album, and deep artistic exploration. With a blend of traditional elements and contemporary musical approaches, the album Ventana Abierta represents a fresh and distinctly expressive yet respectful view of this masterful musical genre, thus bringing new possibilities and perspectives for the development of flamenco in Slovenia and beyond. With its innovation, it opens a window for new musical generations and encourages diversity and the exchange of ideas.

The concert featuring the album release will feature a special guest, José Montaña. Born in Madrid, José is considered one of the leading percussionists in flamenco and Afro-Cuban music. He gained fame through collaborations with globally renowned flamenco dancers such as Nino de los Reyes, Juan de Juan, and Antonio Canales, and he was influenced by some of the most respected flamenco percussionists including Israel Suárez “El Piraña,” Lucky Losada, Ramon Porrina, and Sabu Porrina. Among his mentors and collaborators in Latin music are names such as Miguel Angá Díaz, Pepe Espinosa, Pedrito Martínez, Changuito, Tata Güines, Giovanni Hidalgo, and others. His greatest inspiration is the multi-instrumentalist and bassist Alain Pérez, who is also his mentor. José Montaña has played with some of the most renowned artists in the world, including Alain Pérez, Richard Bona, Alfredo Rodríguez, Jorge Pardo, Chano Dominguez, Antonio Rey, Antonio Serrano, Javier Limon, Jerry Gonzalez, Montse Cortés, Caramelo de Cuba, Israel Fernández, Marina (Ojos de Brujo). He is an artist endorsed by La Rosa Percussion, Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals & Majidrums, and constantly conducts workshops and performs worldwide.

In addition to José Montaña, one of the leading flamenco dancers in Slovenia, choreographer, and music creator Urška Centa will perform. Her first performance after returning from a successful tour in Mexico with the Sentido Project promises a percussive experience and the authenticity of a dancing body that lives through every gesture and movement. Urška Centa brings with her a unique artistic vision that blurs the boundaries between elements of flamenco and contemporary dance, challenging choreographic norms. Her long-standing collaboration with Grafenauer manifests in a refined and virtuosic dialogue between dancer and musician, and an immersive onstage journey through the aesthetics of different worlds.

The event is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Slovenia and City of Ljubljana.