Flamenco’s heavyweights gather for annual festival

The prestigious Torre del Cante flamenco festival, now in its 51st year, will take place in the El Portón open-air auditorium in Alhaurín de la Torre on Saturday 21 June. This is one of the most well-established summer flamenco gatherings in Andalucía and, as in previous years, this instalment will present some of the most illustrious names of today’s flamenco scene.

These include José Mercé, a singer from Jerez de la Frontera who is considered one of the most versatile singers in the history of the art. Mercé is no stranger to this festival, having performed here on several occasions over the years. He is well-known for his Gypsy-style cante while singing deep flamenco songs. However, his versatile voice makes him a good fit to sing new flamenco or even pop.

The concert will feature Huelva native Argentina who will sing traditional fandangos of her home town, as well as songs from her most recent recording (Mi Idilio con La Habana). Also performing will be Antonio Reyes who is descended from the dynasty that includes artists like Jarrito and Pansequito, and Luis Heredia – El Polaco who hails from Granada’s Sacromonte and is considered a master in the new flame

The dance will be supplied by the flamenco company of Seville’s Pastora Galván, a dancer and choreographer who comes from a family of flamenco dancers, with her father, José Galván, and her brother, Israel Galván, as mainstays in the flamenco dance world.

Tickets for the festival, which starts at 9pm, cost 30 euros and can be purchased at the El Portón ticket office or online at www.mientrada.net