Local Flamenco enthusiasts are urged to get down to Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal on Sunday February 16 for a very special concert event headlined by acclaimed Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco Lara.
Acknowledged as the most prominent flamenco guitarist living in Australia, Paco Lara and his troupe are a world-class musical and cultural experience not to be missed!
Flamenco was recognised internationally in 2010 as an Intangible Heritage for Humanity by UNESCO demonstrating that this artform inspires people across the world.
In Castlemaine, a faithful flamenco following enjoys weekly dance lessons at Castlemaine and Newstead with talented local dancer Jessica MacCallum-Cruz.
The group can’t wait to see this master at work along with his wonderful troupe, which includes partner and guest Australian/Spanish flamenco dancer Deya Miranda Giner who will be treating the audience to a display of authentic genuine flamenco dance from Spain.
Paco Lara emigrated to Australia from Jerez, the heartland of flamenco in Spain, in 2017. His style (halfway between traditional and contemporary flamenco) contributes to the increased popularity and understanding of this musical genre in Australia.
He has performed sold out concerts at the Sydney Opera House and Adelaide Guitar Festival, and will come to Castlemaine fresh off a return performance at Melbourne’s iconic Bird’s Basement on February 15.
Local audiences may have also enjoyed an appearance by Lara at the 2024 Woodend Winter Arts Festival.
The Castlemaine show is part of a 2025 tour across regional Victoria, New South Wales and other parts of Australia tour to promote the guitarist’s self-produced album of original compositions Duende.
Duende transports audiences to Southern Spain with the virtuoso guitarist accompanied by a multicultural and dynamic ensemble of performers including Curro Vicente (vocals) and Joseph Batrouney (percussion).
Local dancer Jessica MacCallum-Cruz has been invited to make a special appearance to wrap up the show as part of the final ‘fiesta’.
The local dance instructor said she started dancing flamenco at the age of five and enjoyed passing on her love of the dance form to her students.
“My mother was a professional ballerina but has instilled a love of flamenco in me from a young age,” Jessica said.
“I have lived in Seville, Granada and Malaga (Spain) where I studied at the Fundacion Cristina Heeren de Flamenco Arte, Carmen de las Cuevas and FlamencoDanza.
“I have learnt from renowned teachers such as Milagros Menjibar, Luisa Palicio, La Lupi, Javier Baron and Ursula Lopez.
“I have a number of dedicated local students, from complete beginners to more experienced, with a great passion for flamenco.”
Jessica said she would love to see the whole community dancing – in some form – and for everyone to have an experience of what flamenco truly is in its essence.
“This is the perfect opportunity!” she said.
“I have seen Paco Lara perform twice now in Melbourne and have been very inspired by his music, mastery and skill. It’s very special to have such a master guitarist from Spain living in Australia let alone performing in Castlemaine!”
Jessica said she would love to eventually put on a showcase to display what her students had been working on.
“I would love to collaborate with local musicians, artists and dressmakers/costume designers to create a flamenco-inspired show!” she said.
For tickets to the February 16 event visit www.theatreroyalcastlemaine.com.au/liveevents
To find out more about the local flamenco dance classes email Jessica at jessicamacallumcruz@gmail.com
