The Paco de Lucia Project, left to right: David De Jacoba, Antonio Sánchez, Antonio Fernández Montoya “Farru”, Alain Pérez, Israel Suárez “Piraña”, Antonio Serrano. Photo by Luis Mali, courtesy of Performing Arts Center
I attended my first flamenco performance in Cordoba, Spain in June of 1987. I remember it well – a small club, with a raised platform that ran through the center of the room where the dancer performed. The experience was vivid and very powerful. As someone of Spanish descent, it resonated with me even more.
When I learned that The Paco de Lucia Project was coming to the Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase, I was thrilled, looking forward to a similarly memorable experience. It was fantastic. Produced by longtime collaborator Javier Limón, the performing ensemble includes: Israel Suárez “Piraña” – Percussion, Alain Pérez – Bass, Antonio Sánchez – Guitar, Antonio Serrano – Harmonica, David De Jacoba – Voice and Antonio Fernández Montoya “Farru” – Dance. Each is an accomplished performer in their own right, having collaborated with notable artists in their field. More about them here: thepacodeluciaproject.com. At the end of the program, they brought the audience to their feet for two very enthusiastic standing ovations. It was an excellent choice for the opening performance for the Performing Arts Center’s 2019-2020 season.
The season runs through May 5, 2020 and features a wide variety of musical, vocal and dance ensembles. Director Seth Soloway states: “At The Performing Arts Center we continue to provide experiences that spark conversations and make connections; in so doing, we further enhance our reputation as a welcoming community hub for an increasingly diverse audience base.”
Top row: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, A Capella Live (Women of the World). Middle Row: Paul Taylor Dance Company, Black Violin. Bottom row: The Manhattan Transfer, Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México. Images courtesy of Performing Arts Center, SUNY Purchase
This season’s performers include: Gina Chavez, Chouk Bwa, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Villalobos Brothers, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Dorrance Dance, The Manhattan Transfer, Air Play, It Gets Better, Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México, A Cappella Live!, Black Violin, Mariachi Los Camperos, RUBBERBAND, Gravity and Other Myths, Tania Pérez-Salas Compañía de Danza, Arch 8, Canadian Brass, Doug Varone and Dancers, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and more.
For the full schedule of the Performing Arts Center’s 2019-2020 season: artscenter.org.
The Performing Arts Center is located at SUNY Purchase, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY. Website: artscenter.org. Box Office: 914-251-6200