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Flamenco festival

The Galston Concerts return with a mini flamenco festival from guitarists Paco Lara and Carlito Akam on Sunday 24 July, 2pm at the Galston Uniting Church.

Australian resident flamenco star Lara, who recently returned from recordings and concerts in Spain, will feature in a program of flamenco favourites and familiar contrasts.

Themes from the ‘top ten’ Concierto de Aranjuez by Valencia-Madrid composer Joaquin Rodrigo will balance music from Andalusia – the home of flamenco. Think Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Malaga.

There’ll be hints of Carmen, a tango and items composed by Lara, including his musical impressions of his home ‘town’, Jerez, near Cadiz in Andalusia.

Music of other styles will include the beautiful Cavatina from the film The Deer Hunter and a Waltzing Matilda – in flamenco style?

Lara’s career, centred in Spain, has spanned Europe from France to Russia and toured to Latin America before his family’s move to Australia in 2017.

Successes at the Sydney Opera House and Adelaide Guitar Festival in 2021 and his 2022 national tour of his solo album The Andalusian Guitar are placing Lara’s flamenco flair at the top of the Australian music scene.

Co-Director for the concerts Rob Harris said “the guitar and music of Spain have not featured often enough in Galston’s concerts, so it’s a treat for Hills and Hornsby music lovers to have a truly international performer visiting us here, in our hometown.”

The concert will have the customary organ prelude from 1.30pm as added entertainment while the audience arrives.

Online bookings through trybooking.com (search Galston) and tickets are available at the door on the day – but best to check by phoning 0428 248 348. 

2022 Flamenco Festival

Glenn Truelove