Celebrating flamenco’s rich heritage: Chicago’s 22nd festival

Friday, March 15, 2024

Marking its 22nd year, the Chicago Flamenco Festival is set to illuminate the Instituto Cervantes Chicago with a vibrant celebration of flamenco, a dynamic art form enriched by a diverse cultural heritage. Since its inception in 2002, the festival, hosted by the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, has become a beacon for flamenco enthusiasts, showcasing a dazzling array of talent from the world’s leading flamenco artists through performances, workshops, film screenings, and lectures. This annual event pays homage to the traditional roots of flamenco while also welcoming innovative, contemporary interpretations that highlight the art form’s evolving nature, born from the confluence of various cultures.

This year’s festival lineup is as follows:

Antonio Rey presents “Historias de un flamenco,” a showcase featuring the Latin Grammy-winning guitarist in a captivating solo performance of both his renowned and new compositions. Performances are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. (Opening night concert), and Thursday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.).

María José Llergo performs “ULTRABELLEZA,” highlighting her rapid rise as one of Spain’s most prominent vocal talents, celebrated for her flamenco fusion style, on Sunday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.).

Clinard Dance’s Flamenco Quartet Project takes the stage, representing one of Chicago’s leading flamenco dance groups, on Monday, March 4, at 7 p.m. at Space Evanston (1245 Chicago Ave.).

Las Migas, the 2022 Latin Grammy-winning quartet, known for their feminine, bold, and joyous approach to flamenco music and vocals, will perform on Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.).

A special tribute to Women’s History Month featuring Amparo Heredia “La Repompilla,” Raquel Heredia “La Repompa,” & Ángel Ruíz, some of flamenco’s finest in vocal, dance, and guitar, will occur on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.).

Antonia Jiménez (guitarist/composer) and Inma La Carbonera (vocalist) present “A Gaya (To Mother Earth),” a performance paying homage to women’s strength and Mother Earth’s significance, on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.).

Raúl Cantizano + Los Voluble deliver “Cordoned Off Zone,” a unique transmedia concert blending prepared guitar with audiovisual remixes and experimental flamenco sounds, on Saturday, March 16, at 7 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.).

Surabhi Ensemble explores “The Andalusian Trail to India 2024” with guest artist Kinan Abou-afach, a journey through the origins of flamenco music and dance, on Monday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. at City Winery (1200 W. Randolph St.).

An enlightening lecture, “The Likely Crypto-Lutheran Origins of Flamenco: An Academic Exploration of Links Between Flemish Polyphony and Spanish Flamenco,” presented by Ricardo Marlow, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.). This lecture is free and open to the public and will be conducted in English.

La Chiqui, the 2022 winner of the prestigious Premio Desplante, will perform “Mi esencia,” accompanied by Jose Manuel Alconchel (guitar), Diego Alvarez “El Negro” (percussion), David Carpio (vocalist), on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, at 7 p.m. (Closing night concert) at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.).

« Back to Page

• 23rd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival becomes a celebration of music, art, and culture

• New arts leadership program to enhance diversity in museums

• Art fanatic tourists can head to Edwynn Houk Gallery in the USA

• Robot artist’s Ai-Da can appear as threat to tourist destinations

• Lake District Hotel elevates art display with horse sculptures