These days, the Arte Flamenco is a universal art form which can be seen, heard and learned anywhere in the world.
But not too long ago, young musicians who were ambitious and eager to learn had to go to those specific places in Spain to take flamenco lessons.
So did Pascual de Lorca, whose life story is specked with boyish romance. In his early teens he left home town Lorca (province of Murcia) to hitchhike his way to Jerez de la Frontera with his guitar on the shoulder. All this with one single ambition: to become a successful flamenco guitar player.
Jerez still is a most important flamenco centre, where thousands of foreigners keep arriving to take a flamenco course.
But even all these years ago, Pascual de Lorca already knew that Jerez was the place to be if he ever would want to make it as a renowned flamenco guitar player. He kept lingering in this artistic town and through the years became one of its most important and popular flamenco guitar players.
As an accompanist he made his fame in being the fixed guitar player of such well-known artists as there are Rancapino, Mariana Cornejo, Melchora Ortega and many others.
He is praised to heaven for his incredible sense of rhythm (compas) and, as do only the greatest in flamenco history, he has an unusual way of building up a musical dialogue with any singer.
Furthermore, Pascual de Lorca is also one of the most versatile guitar players, since he also belongs to the andalusian top of concert players and of dancing accompanists. For example, he is the fixed guitar player of the dancing company of Antonio El Pippa and of such female dancers as Patricia Valdes and Patricia Ibañez.
The jerezian influence in Pascual de Lorca’s work is ever present, but in addition he has certainly developed his own personal style. Even the musical styles from his native region shimmer through in his playing. Por taranto, for instance, is his cup of tea. Nowadays, his virtuosity is praised well beyond the borders of his own region, even country.
Pascual de Lorca’s flamenco company contains of dance, vocals, guitar and percussion. All of which are presented by the most renowned artists.
And it is this company which is soon coming up north for a limited series of concerts. A unique occasion for any flamenco lover.
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