Sounds from Spain to echo at Ankara Music Festival

ANKARA

The 36th International Ankara Music Festival will take place between April 4 and 25 this year with the organization of the Sevda-Cenap and Music Foundation. One of the guests of the event, Spanish pianist Manolo Carrasco will be on the stage with his “Sounds from Spain” flamenco show, which is like a musical journey from 19th century to present, on April 12 at MEB Şura Hall.

Carrasco is considered by music critics as a “super pianist” with his unimaginable technique, flawless execution, perfect dynamics and tension.

He has so far performed worldwide playing the great classics of Spanish music and flamenco music, becoming one of the most international artists in the music scene from Spain.

He has won many piano awards in Spain and France. He is the composer of the music for the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. He has released several albums and is also the promoter of his own concerts, which has toured in Japan, China, the U.S., Europe and Spain.

Speaking to Hürriyet Daily News, Carrasco explained what makes this show unique. “The concert ‘Sounds from Spain’ is not only a journey through music, it is also a journey through the senses, because the music and dance come together in this show. I have tried to reflect the essence of the southern Spain, my homeland where Flamenco emerged,” he said.

Stating that the audience will hear the best works of Spanish music and flamenco, the Spanish artist said: “I will also interpret some of my own works that I have been composing in recent years. In these pieces I have tried to reflect different aspects of our homeland, our lives, customs and folklore. I have tried to show the charm of southern Spain and especially Andalusia.”

He said that he has been creating works which combines dance and music, but “flamenco has a strong impact on me.” “I was born and grown up in Cadiz, where Flamenco emerged. I like to express my music in different styles and enrich my sound with visual arts.”

Carrasco is not only a pianist but also a composer and conductor. He says that when composing, he can be inspired by anything that surrounds him and makes him feel different. “This can be a culture, a new place, a city, beauties, experiences. Life itself is a great inspiration,” he adds.

Carrasco says music was his childhood dream and he always wanted to be a great pianist and a composer, and always dreamt to be known worldwide. And now he says he feels lucky that a great part of his dreams are coming true.

This concert will be Carrasco’s first gig in Ankara. He says Turkish people love Flamenco and hopes that they will have a great evening during the concert.

“Sounds from Spain” is a concert composed created with the best hits of the Spanish flamenco and classical music. It presents music of the great Spanish Masters such as Francisco Tárrega, Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, Luigi Bocherini, Georges Bizet and Antonio Soler and some original music composed by Carrasco.

During the concert, Spanish Flamenco dancers will be performing some of the best known flamenco music worldwide including carmen, Bulerias, Alegrias, Tangos and others.