The Municipal Theater, the Franciscans, and the Penitent Chapel of Béziers will host the traditional flamenco festival from March 10th to 21st. The program includes dance, music, song, workshops, and exhibitions.
Flamenco enthusiasts can enjoy the new edition of the “Flamenco” festival from March 10th to 21st. The festival will showcase dance, song, and music in the traditional yet contemporary style, offering a mix of experimentation and tradition. This Spanish art form will grace the stages of the Municipal Theater, the Franciscans, and other cultural venues, delighting passionate fans. Mark your calendars!
1 Dance Performances
The renowned Mercedes de Cordoba Company, known as one of the most powerful and authentic dancers of her generation, will kick off the festival on Saturday, March 14th, at 7:30 PM at the Municipal Theater with her show “Ser Ni conmigo, ni sin mi” (Neither with me, nor without me). Through her performance, the dancer explores her uncertainties, fears, and the liberating aspect of dance.
On Thursday, March 19th, at 8:00 PM at the Franciscans Theater, the Franco-Spanish artist Helena Cueto will present a demonstration of traditional flamenco art in “Tablao flamenco.”
Returning to the Municipal Theater on Saturday, March 21st, at 7:30 PM, Alfonso Losa, the current representative of Madrid’s flamenco dance school, will showcase “Espacio creativo” alongside dancer Paula Comitre, who participated in the Béziers festival in 2023.
2 Song and Music
The Franciscans Theater presents “Moire,” a residency show by guitarist Quentin Buffier on Tuesday, March 10th, at 8:00 PM, combining elements of flamenco and classical music inspired by Robert Fripp’s “Frippertronic.”
On Friday, March 13th, at 8:00 PM, Basilic Swing will perform a flamenco jazz concert at the Franciscans, exploring the roots of gypsy jazz. Lastly, on Sunday, March 15th, at 7:00 PM, the Penitents Chapel will host a cante recital by singer Alberto Garcia accompanied by Pepe Fernandez on guitar, free admission.
3 Ball, Exhibitions, Workshops, and More
On Wednesday, March 18th, at 8:00 PM, the Municipal Theater will host a dance school gala featuring La Marisma, Artespagnol, Estrella flamenca, Fuego flamenco, and the Colonie espagnole (free entry).
Two “sandwich meetings” with artists Paul Cargol and Rafael Amador will take place at the Municipal Theater on Thursday, March 12th, and Thursday, March 19th, both at 12:30 PM.
Two workshops for child-parent duos (from 6 years old) are organized: fabric painting inspired by flamenco shawls at the Municipal Theater on March 11th and an introduction to flamenco dance at the Franciscans on March 21st (free, registration required).
The traditional “sevillan ball” will be held at the Josée Guillem Hall on Friday, March 20th, starting at 8:00 PM (ticket required, reservation mandatory).
Two exhibitions will complement the programming from March 11th to April 7th, along with signing sessions on March 14th and March 21st: “Luz flamenca,” featuring photos by Valentina Benigni at the Municipal Theater, and “Expressions flamencas,” showcasing paintings and drawings by Sylvie Piqué at the theater’s foyer.
A New Feature this Year: Guitar Masterclass
This year, organizers introduce a new addition to the program: a Catalan rumba guitar masterclass with Antoine “Tato” Garcia.
Tato, from a family of Catalan gypsy musicians in Perpignan, will lead the masterclass with sessions on March 14th, March 15th, and March 18th, with a concluding concert on March 18th, open to the public from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The masterclass is for adults and children aged 12 and above with basic guitar skills, bring your own instrument. Cost: €50.
For information and ticketing, contact 04 67 36 82 82. Online tickets available on beziers.fr.
(Professional news article reporting on the upcoming Flamenco festival in Béziers, France. The festival will feature various performances, exhibitions, workshops, and a new guitar masterclass.)
