Brooklyn Center Presents Compañía Flamenca José Porcel 11/13
By: Gabrielle Sierra Oct. 13, 2011
Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College continues its 2011-2012 World Stages series with Compañía Flamenca José Porcel. Under the artistic direction of internationally renowned flamenco artist José Porcel, Spain's preeminent company of dancers, musicians and singers will perform a program entitled "Gypsy Fire" on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 2:00 pm.
"Gypsy Fire" celebrates the origins of the art of flamenco. "With this new production," says Mr. Porcel, "I would like to present to audiences the purest and oldest parts of flamenco, preserving the traditional customs and experiences of the Andalusian people." The Companyreturns to the United States for the first time since their critically acclaimed 2008-2009 North American tour.Including both intricately choreographed and improvisational works, the repertoire will range from the deeply emotional "Seguiriya," which portrays the suffering and pain of the Gypsy people, to the more elegant "Ronda," a piece performed by women incorporating the traditional long-trained dresses and castanets, and the festive "Alegrías," inspired by the playfulness of traditional Spanish jesters and clowns.About José PorcelJosé Porcel was born in the Andalucian region of Spain, considered by many to be the birthplace of Flamenco. He began his dance studies at the age of 16 with the master Martín Vargas. He later moved to Madrid and continued his studies with Paco Romero, Isabel Quintero, Cristóbal Reyes, Pedro Azorín and José Granero. He made his professional debut in 1989 with the Ballet de Valencia and was promoted to soloist in the company the following year. In 1994, he was invited to join the Ballet Nacional de España (the National Ballet of Spain), performing as a soloist in such works as Medea, Los Tarantos, and Grito. Porcel also toured internationally with the Compañía Española de Antonio Márquez, including 20 sold-out performances at the Ópera de Paris and a 2001-2002 tour of the United States. He later formed his own company, assembling a troupe of his country's most skilled flamenco artists.
Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400-seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series.
Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Tickets: $45 orchestra / $36 mezzanineBrooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College
2/5 trains to Brooklyn College/Flatbush AvenueOnline orders: www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1pm - 6pm
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-5000 x3326 Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' programs are made possible in part with public funding from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Major support for the 2011-2012 season is provided by: Brooklyn College; Target; Con Edison; Macy's Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; TD Charitable Foundation; National Grid; Kings Plaza Shopping Center; and The Harkness Foundation for Dance. Additional support provided by CNG Publications and The Brooklyn Eagle. Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee's.Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges support from the Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York City Council and Speaker Christine C. Quinn; and from Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin.
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