(Demi Fernandez, Ramon
Fernandez & Linda Vargas. Pic by Val Adamson)
The Linda Vargas
Flamenco Dance Company in collaboration with jazz musicians Neil Gonsalves
(piano), Demi Fernandez (jazz/flamenco guitar) once again take to the intimate
venue of UKZN’s Jazz Centre to present Mundo
Flamenco, exploring the stylistic origins which have, and continue to
influence the art of Flamenco.
Having previously
explored the fusion between flamenco and jazz, this show takes a further step
into exploring the diverse cultural influences in flamenco including Arabic,
the rhythms of Indian Kathak, Celtic, South American, Neoclassical and
traditional Spanish Folk Dance, whilst still holding true to the essence of
Flamenco. Featuring a larger cast of dancers and with pulsating rhythms and
exhilarating music and dance, Mundo
Flamenco will provide audiences with another feast for the senses- with
only four performances from December 10 to 13, it is sure to be a treat not to
be missed!
Backed by Demi
Fernandez and Neil Gonsalves, these world-renowned musicians in their own right
present their own compositions alongside the dance. Their unique style and
talent continue to leave audiences spellbound. Their debut CD recording Latinfluence, released in November 2013,
is the first instalment of this duo. They are joined by Bryan Stone on
percussion and the show will also feature singing by Gemma Schumann and costume
design elements from recent DUT fashion graduate, Alice
Rash.
Linda Vargas is the
founder and director of the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company. She has
choreographed numerous flamenco dance productions as well as the opera
productions La Traviata, Amal, Faust,
Salome and Carmen. She co-founded the international organization Alianza Flamenca
and is a member of its Board of Directors, as well as its panel of
international examiners. She currently lectures at UKZN and performs, examines
and conducts educational and corporate workshops both nationally and
internationally. Her educational dance workshops in schools and for NAPTOSA
assist teachers to incorporate dance in the formal school curriculum. Vargas
holds a Masters Degree in Education as well as BA Honours in Drama, LISTD and
Final Diploma (ISTD, London).
Neil Gonsalves
holds a Masters degree in Music and also lectures at UKZN. He has performed in
various national music festivals with numerous South Africa jazz and Afro-beat
luminaries as well as his own band, Tonk. He has also toured internationally,
including a four-year stint as part of Johnny Clegg’s band. He has released a
solo album North Facing which
represents a blend of modern South African and Nordic Jazz.
Demi Fernandez was
born in Brazil of Spanish parents and spent many years living and performing in
Flamenco Tablaos in Spain. He has also appeared as leading flamenco guitarist
with numerous South African and international Spanish dance companies. He is resident guitarist for the Linda Vargas
Flamenco Dance Company and Alianza Flamenca.He has composed musical scores for
several SABC TV productions and also appeared in numerous productions including
Guitars for Africa in Durban and at
the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. He currently lectures in the University
of KwaZulu-Natal’s Jazz programme. Latinfluence
CD’s will be on sale at all performances.
Mundo Flamenco runs at the Centre for Jazz and Popular
Music on the UKZN’s Howard College campus from December 10 to13 with performances
Thursday to Saturday at 19h00 and on December 13 at 15h00. Entrance R120 (R90
students/pensioners). Tickets are limited for each performance so advanced
booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Bookings through Linda on:lindavargasflamenco@gmail.com or 031 201 0750 (mornings only).
The Centre for Jazz
& Popular Music is housed on level 2 of the Dennis Shepstone building on
the Howard College campus.
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