Paco Peña embodies both authenticity and innovation in flamenco. As a guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor he has transformed perceptions of this archetypal Spanish art form. He is regarded as one of the world’s foremost traditional flamenco players.
The New York Times declared that: “Mr Peña is a virtuoso, capable of dazzling an audience beyond the frets of mortal man. He combines rapid-fire flourishes with a colourist’s sense of shading; this listener cannot recall hearing any guitarist with a more assured mastery of his instrument.”
Paco Peña has been a regular visitor to Australia and in September he will return to dazzle us on stage once again. This time we are very excited to welcome Paco Peña back for the Australian premiere his incredible work Requiem for the Earth, firstly to be performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on September 9 in association with the Brisbane Festival.
A profound musical odyssey of passion and redemption, the Australian premiere of Paco Peña – Requiem for the Earth celebrates our glorious planet while issuing a stark warning: time is running out and we must act now to save the Earth. In the visceral world of flamenco, joy and sorrow – like hope and despair – constantly intermingle. That amalgam of apparent opposites is the essence of Requiem for the Earth. Paco Peña weaves joy with sorrow while reflecting on humanity’s impact on nature. With lyrics in Spanish and Latin, don’t miss this hopeful call to action, urging us to protect our world.
Requiem for the Earth is the jewel in the crown of Paco Peña’s performances, with 3 guitars, 1 percussionist, 4 singers, and 2 local choirs – in Brisbane he will be joined by Voices of Birralee adult and children’s choirs.
Paco will also perform Requiem for the Earth on the opening night of the Adelaide Guitar Festival on September 12. In Adelaide he will be joined by Rising Voices and Young Adelaide Voices.
Paco Peña will also play Perth, Sydney and Melbourne but not performing the Requiem
Ahead of his 2024 Australian tour, Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips had the honour of speaking to flamenco guitar legend Paco Peña about his life, the origins of his musical opus Requiem for the Earth and the upcoming tour.
PACO PENA AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Requiem For The Earth:
September 9. Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) QLD
Brisbane Festival
https://qpac.com.au
Requiem For The Earth:
September 12 Her Majesty’s Theatre
Adelaide Guitar Festival SA
guitar.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Paco Peña Guitarra with The Grigoryan Brothers:
September 16 Regal Theatre, Subiaco WA
premier.ticketek.com.au
Paco Peña Guitarra with The Grigoryan Brothers:
September 19 Melbourne Recital Centre VIC
ticketmaster.com.au
Paco Peña Guitarra with The Grigoryan Brothers:
September 22 City Recital Hall, Sydney NSW
ticketmaster.com.au