“Jesús Olmedo adapts and improvises every time he performs.” - Robin Gibson,
BBC South East
"...set the mood for the evening in a stamping, whirling flurry of high octane dance." -
Penny Flood
Tickets are also available in person from Wivenhoe Bookshop from 21st July (cash only, please)
Saturday, 21st September
Jesús Olmedo Flamenco: Aíres Flamencos
Aíres Flamencos offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the art form at its purest but with innovative touches, where improvisation will lead to magical moments through the cante hondo.
The line-up features the fabulous touch of guitar maestro Adrían Sola, the passionate singing of Rut Santamaria, the brilliant rhythm and spontaneity of percussionist Demi García Sabat, and the powerful, rhythmic movements of dancer/ choreographer Jesús Olmedo, dancing palos flamenco such as Alegrías, Farrucas, Solea por Bulerías, and Martinete with bastón.
Jesús Olmedo
Born in the colourful Arganzuela quarter of Madrid in December 1985, Jesús’ precocious talent and innate love for Spanish dance led him to commence studies at the Madrid Conservatoire at just eight years of age.
Aged 10, Jesús was selected to perform in the iconic production Homenaje a Madrid, choreographed by the famous Spanish dancer Marienma. Aged 11, he met his idol of the time, Joaquín Cortes, and at 13, further inspired by the music of singer El Potito, decided to study flamenco dance with maestro Rafael de Cordoba.
A continual flow of professional engagements ensued, including performing in the award-winning film El Otro Barrio alongside some of Spain’s best-known actors, and at 18, Jesús graduated from the Madrid Conservatoire.
In 2005, Jesús and his friend and colleague Jorge Muelas received an award as young artists for their outstanding contributions to Spanish dance.
Since then, Jesús has formed several acclaimed flamenco groups, and has performed at numerous prestigious venues in
Europe and worldwide, including the Royal Opera House in Bizet's Carmen. His talents have also taken him to Peru, America, the UAE, and China.
Adrían Sola
Adrían studied music theory and flute at the School of Modern Music in Badalona, Spain. He furthered his development by attending masterclasses with guitar virtuosos Zsolt Hernandi and Rafael Cañizares.
Since moving to the UK, Adrían has become a much sought-after accompanist, working regularly with established London-
based flamenco dancers and debuted here in February 2023 with Lourdes Fernandez Raíces show.
In an ensemble or as a soloist, Adrían is a versatile and adaptable musician who performs flamenco masterpieces as well as his own compositions.
Mónica García
Passionately involved in flamenco at an early age, Mónica grew up in Frailes, a small village in South Spain, where the best olive oil in the world and the Andalusian zephyr from the mountains nurtured her voice. She was a prominent student at Locura Flamenca academy, later becoming involved in traditional and modern dance and music groups. She is a soulful singer who surprises and delights flamenco aficion-ados and newcomers, as she did in February 2023 with Raíces.
Demi García Sabat
Originally from Barcelona but now based in London, Demi studied at the Barcelona Conservatory of Music and the London College of Music. He is an exceptionally versatile percussionist who performs with various jazz, Latin, and Arabic groups and artists in the UK and Europe, including pianist Nikki Yeo, guitarist Nicolas Meier's World Group, and cellist Shirley Smart.