‘Flamenco Fire’ lights up Radford University

José Porcel

José Porcel and a company member

Compañia Flamenca José Porcel brings “Flamenco Fire,” a colorful performance honoring the art of traditional flamenco in its golden age to Radford University Sept. 29.

This is the first performance in the University Performance Series 2015-16 season.

“The University Performance Series plays a major role in bringing international arts events to the New River Valley and enhances the college’s mission of outreach and advocacy for arts education,” said Margaret Devaney, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Between the company of dancers and a live orchestra, “Flamenco Fire” represents the purity and authenticity of the early 20th century flamenco. Costumes and music are faithfully reproduced, showcasing the passion and power found in the rhythms and movement of this art form.

Namesake and artistic director, José Porcel, has a history in dance beginning when he was 13. Born in Sevilla, Spain, he began learning Andalucian folkloric dances and flamenco in Valencia. In 1989, he joined his first professional company, Ballet de Valencia, and became a soloist the following year.

According to his biography, “In 1991, Mr. Porcel choreographed his first flamenco work, ‘Te traigo al sur, Miguel,’ under the direction of the flamencologist Federico Torres, in the Teatro Principal in Alicante. In 1992 he directed and performed in his first flamenco company, in the Expo de Sevilla.”

After this, he worked with several more dance troupes including an Amercian tour with Clara Romana’s company, Ballet Nacional de España, the company of Rafael Aguilar, and Compañía Española de Antonio Márquez. In addition, under the direction of maestro Héctor Zaraspe, Porcel was a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl in 2000.

Tickets go on sale three weeks before the event at radfordactivities.universitytickets.com or at Radford University’s Hurlburt Hall Information Desk (540) 831-5420. Prices are $15 for the general public, $7.50 per child and those with Radford University IDs are free.

The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Bondurant Auditorium at Preston Hall. For parking information, visit www.radford.edu/parking. To learn more about the College of Visual and Performing Arts, go to www.radford.edu/cvpa.
 

Sep 9, 2015
CVPA
540-831-6237
cvpa411@radford.edu