PACO PEÑA and friends
Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire
Sunday 12 January 2020
The World’s Most Celebrated Flamenco Guitarist
It has been close to 10 years since Paco Peña last played in Dublin and we are delighted to welcome him to Pavilion Theatre – a rare treat within our intimate surroundings as Pena is usually found playing to crowds of 1000 plus.
Paco Peña is without doubt the world’s greatest and most critically acclaimed Flamenco guitarist. From Brazil to Spain and across the planet the words Flamenco and Paco go hand in hand. He embodies both authenticity and innovation in flamenco. As guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor, he has transformed perceptions of this archetypal Spanish art form.
Born in the Andalucían city of Cordoba, Paco Pena began learning guitar from his brother at the age of six and made his first professional appearance at the age of 12. In the late 1960s he left Spain for London, where his recitals of flamenco music captured the public imagination.
Since 1970, Paco Pena has performed regularly with his own hand-picked company of dancers, guitarist and singers in a succession of groundbreaking shows. Venues for his performances have included the intimate Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the monumental Royal Albert Hall in London. In 1997, Paco Pena was proud to be named Official de la Cruz de la Orden del Merito Civil and in May 2012, he was thrilled to be awarded the Gold medal in the Arts by the John.F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. These honours were both bestowed by King Juan Carlos of Spain.