"José Almarcha’s Alejandra is a true labour of love from one of Spain’s most promising young composers for the guitar." — Helen Alonso Paisley
". . . resembling a great emotional suite. Always restless and, in the most inspired moments, truly beautiful."
- Pablo San Nicasio
Tickets are also available from Wivenhoe Bookshop (cash only, please)
Saturday, 8th June
José Almarcha Flamenco Trio
On tour from Spain!
Embark on a mesmerising journey through flamenco's soul-stirring rhythms and fiery dance moves with the José Almarcha Trio, who will captivate your senses with virtuoso guitar skills, passionate dance moves, and percussive prowess.
José Almarcha
El toque is the art of playing the flamenco guitar via the many diverse rhythmic forms employed in the genre, exemplified by artists such as José Almarcha.
Born in Tomelloso, Castilla La Mancha (the land of Don Quijote), José started playing guitar at a very young age and went on to study flamenco at the Cordoba Conservatory of Music with great masters such as Paco Serrano and Niño de Pura. He participated in numerous guitar competitions and won the 2nd International Flamenco Guitar Competition, Niño Ricardo, in 2007.
José often works with renowned flamenco artists such as Marco Flores and has travelled the world with flamenco stars like Antonio Canales. He will be performing material from his two acclaimed CDs, Vejézate and Alejandra, plus new compositions.
José's most recent album bears the name of his mother,
remembering her through the language of music, taking us on a journey from childhood memories.
Lucía Riubal
Born in El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, Lucía found her passion for dance at a very young age, doubtless influenced by her father, singer-songwriter Javier Ruibal, and her brother, drummer-percussionist Javi Ruibal.
Beginning initially with classical ballet, Lucía was in her teens drawn to flamenco, subsequently training with notable dancers such as La Lupi and Mercedes Ruíz.
Lucía studied flamenco at the Conservatory of Málaga, then moved to Madrid, where she performs regularly at tablaos with major flamenco groups such as those of Rafael Amargo or Juan de Juan, with her father, and, most recently, Miguel Ríos and Amaral.
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 around the UK and Europe, including Nicolas Meier World Group and cellist Shirley Smart.
"Jesús Olmedo set the mood for the evening in a stamping, whirling flurry of high octane dance." - Penny Flood
“Jesús Olmedo adapts and improvises every time he performs.” - Robin Gibson, BBC South East
Tickets are also available in person from Wivenhoe Bookshop (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 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.
Rut Santamaria
Rut was raised in a large family surrounded by music and art, as her maternal grandmother dedicated her life dancing and singing at the most important venues in Madrid.
Her older brother’s piano playing inspired Rut to sing from a very early age, and she began to spend more time composing music with her brother as well as forming the band Banned Direction with guitarist Jose Luis Cañas.
Aged 18, Rut received private singing lessons from Arturo Fernandez, and then started to develop her career with professional musicians.
In 2017 Rut moved to London, joining the artistic collective Flamenco Soul, accompanying Jesús and other artists.
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.