(WICHITA, KS – October 1, 2008) – Prepare for a festival of color and rhythm when Compañia Flamenco José Porcel takes the Wichita Grand Opera stage in November. In its presentation of flamenco and classical Spanish dance, this extraordinary ensemble exhibits a range of joyful and sensual moods. “Alma Flamenco,” or “The Soul of Flamenco” features eight dances, ranging from electrifying solos by Porcel to larger ensemble pieces.

Flamenco is a passionate and seductive art form, embodying a complex musical and cultural tradition. It is a mysterious and misunderstood culture that has been burning in southern Spain for nearly five hundred years, and today, flamenco has made thousands of aficionados worldwide.

It is highly probable that flamenco singing and dancing originated in the Andalucían region toward the fifteen century, during the Gypsies’ encounter with the inhabitants of Southern Spain, bringing with them a cultural mixture of Arabian, Jewish and Indian influences. These influences, combining with the Spanish traditions developed into the beautiful and sensual flamenco.

To the untrained eye, the essence of flamenco is thought to be the dance, performed with passion and fervor, but always striving for grace and dignity. However, the heart of flamenco is the song. Common to almost all dance forms, flamenco began as a form of musical expression before it evolved into expression with movement of the hands, arms and legs, all expressive and combines seamlessly with smooth upper-body moves complimenting the rapid-fire steps.

Although to those who have never experienced flamenco, it seems totally improvized, each song and dance follows strict musical and poetic rules, each with very beautiful and concise verses.

A Former principal with the National Ballet of Spain, José Porcel has performed to wide acclaim worldwide. In 1994, Mr. Porcel was invited to join the Ballet Nacional de Espania, where he interpreted works including Media, Ritmos, Bolero de Ravel, and El Sombrero detres picos, among others. He has danced solos with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and in 2000, he was the first dancer in the Compañia Española do Antonio Marquez, performing on tour around the world and at the Ópera de Paris for over 20 sold-out performances, followed by a tour of the United States during the 2001-2002 season. His Choreography is renowned for challenging convention as it honors tradition.

Flamenco embodies all of the vitality and passion of the Spanish people as an explosion of rhythms, colors and emotions come together in a folkloric celebration where irresistible erotic appeal and irrepressible energy come together. José Porcel’s Flamenco Español, founded in Madrid, Spain, bring a unique blend of precision, sensuality and joy to life vibrantly and colorfully with live musicians, vocalists and the premier troupe of dancers to color the unique Spanish art form, delighting audiences around the world for many years.

Season Subscriptions for Wichita Grand Opera’s Magnificent Seventh Season are still available, as are single tickets for this sensual and dramatic performance. Regular ticket prices are $85, $58, and $35, but patrons who order now will save 10% with our early bird discount.  Call the Wichita Grand Opera Box Office at 316-262-8054 or log on to www.selectaseat.com to purchase your prime tickets or season subscriptions today. For more information about this production or the entire Magnificent Seventh Season, log on to www.WichitaGrandOpera.org.

This production of Flamenco Español is sponsored in part by Lisa & Herb Klaskin, Paul & Sandra Dondlinger, and Pete & Mickey Armstrong

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