With the hall completely full Senior Chair (Ateneo de Madrid) was presented to society Athenaeums to Flamenco, group dedicated to the study, dissemination and programming of activities related to Art Flamenco.
The main objective of this project is to position the flamenco As one of Spain's most original and valuable cultural expressions, the Ateneo promotes debate, knowledge, and encounters among artists, scholars, and enthusiasts, using its headquarters as an independent hub. Activities will include concerts, lectures, and meetings designed to disseminate the musical, literary, and theatrical value of this universal art form.
Madrid holds a very important role in the history of flamenco, because it is a place where artists from canteMusic, dance, and dance have always had their place. From those first news reports in the press, where it was mentioned that... Lazarus Quintana as a flamenco singer flamenco In 1847, the first time an artist was described in this way, until the opening of the first cafes of cante, with places like Naranjeros, La Marina, El Imparcial, Café de la Bolsa, Fornos and so many others, the great one passed through there Silverio Franconetti, La Cuenca, Paco de Lucena, Chacón, Pastora Pavón…All the greats. That's where it would be born. Ramon Montoya, the guitar genius, and many other artists flamencoIn the 20th century, Madrid continued to provide a professional network, in all areas, to flamenco which would have to come and evolve into the current 21st century. Therefore, an association like this in the Athenaeum of Madrid It is more than justified and was necessary in the Spanish capital. Furthermore, it is established independently of other public institutions, meaning its operation will not depend on political or other decisions.
The group is chaired by Agapito Pageo, with Mariko Ogura as secretary. They are part of its board of directors as members. José María Goicoechea, Juan Luis Cano y Maurice Sotelo.
The event was presented by Juan Luis Cano, whom we all know primarily for his comedic role in the duo Gomaespuma, but also for his fondness and passion for... flamenco, with projects like Flamenco for allWith the ease and comedic creativity to which he has accustomed us, he announced the different personalities that are part of the board and invited them to give their respective speeches.
Agapito Pageo, president of the group, reports on the project that will be carried out Athenaeums to Flamenco, emphasizing the tradition and importance of the Ateneo as an independent and private cultural center, the most important in the country, founded in 1820 with the premise of spreading culture to all.
El pianista Juan Carlos Garvayo, who was unable to attend the event, sent a written statement that was read aloud, in which he mentioned the visit of Enrique Morente y Manolo Sanlucar in 1970 as the first time that flamenco I entered the Ateneo of Madrid.
"The main objective of this project is to position the flamenco as one of the most original and valuable cultural manifestations in Spain, promoting debate, knowledge and encounters between artists, scholars and enthusiasts, using the Ateneo headquarters as an independent hub»
The speech continued José María Velázquez GazteluGaztelu, who at 84 years old remains indefatigable, completed the flamenco history of the Ateneo, noting that the conference... Manuel Rios Ruiz I met Morente and Sanlúcar during that visit on February 5, 1970, along with other flamenco anniversaries up to the year 2022, in which the presence of flamenco within the institution, it gained much more strength due to the different cycles that are officially established and its collaboration with the Suma Flamenca Madrid.
The speeches concluded with a speech by Mariko Ogura, the driving force and heart and soul of the association, who emphasized the universality of Flamenco as a cultural and artistic manifestation that knows no borders, she was captivated by it since she was a young student, starting a journey that brought her to Spain and dedicating her life to the promotion and encouragement of this unique art.
The artistic performances were commensurate with the importance of the event, featuring performers such as the pianist Andres Barrios, who gave a superb performance of the bulerías Meraki, which she also sang, and a very personal version of El Vito, tracks from his latest album, which was recently nominated for a Latin Grammy, zero kilometer.
Sandra Carrasco and David from Arahal They brought back memories of Marchena, with its precious and delicate Farruca and some Fandangos from Huelva Full of intricate melodic baroque flourishes that only Sandra's voice and David's guitar can create. Masterful.
Juan Manuel Canizares, National Music Prize winner, performed her beautiful and intimate ballad Longing for the PresentFull of evocative nuances. Alongside the guitarist Juan Carlos Gómez he tackled the rumba Comet Rain, full of atmosphere and a devilish virtuosity that reminded us of our beloved and longed-for Paco de Lucía. Bright.
The grand finale was provided by the dancer Antonio Najarro, who closed the act with a castanet solo full of rhythm and Spanish character, to music by Cañizares, together with both guitarists, achieving a great ovation.
The event concluded with the traditional group photo of all participants. Smiles and happiness filled the air as everyone celebrated this important initiative, brimming with enthusiasm and a desire to promote our culture. Flamenco. ♦
