Istanbul hosts Paco de Lucia

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Paco de Lucia takes the stage at İş Sanat’s art center stage on Nov 29. Company photo

İş Sanat will be hosting flamenco guitar legend Paco De Lucia on Nov. 29. Pioneer of the modern flamenco style, Paco de Lucia is one of the very few flamenco guitarists who successfully crossed over into other genres, such as classical and jazz. He made his first public appearance at the age of 11 and began to perform at festivals and won various awards. With his album ”Fantasia Flamenca”, De Lucia exposed his own style for the first time in 1969 and in the 1970s his reputation became indisputable through his recitals. After the collaborations with jazz saxophonist Pedro Iturralde, he opened a new era in the style of flamenco with pianist Chick Corea. He performed and recorded with many significant artists, including guitarists John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell and Al Di Meola. In his album “Concierto de Aranjuez”, de Lucia interpreted Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo’s guitar concerto with his rhythmic and unique style combining classical and flamenco genres. He released numerous albums including traditional and modern flamenco and with his virtuosity and ingenuity, he pushed the limits of the guitar’s technical and musical borders. Paco De Lucia also composed and contributed to the soundtracks of movies such as Carlos Saura’s “Carmen” and Borau’s “La Sabina”. The University of Cadiz recognized De Lucia’s musical and cultural contributions by conferring on him a “Doctor Honoris Causa” title on March 23, 2007. Today, the artist is regarded as a legend for his innovative flamenco style and unique distinctness