Pablo Giménez Spanish Ensemble

Since its inception, the language of flamenco has been expanding to include non-traditional instruments such as the saxophone, harmonica, and bass. Within these new formulas, it seemed unthinkable to overlook one of the principal instruments of the orchestral tradition: the violin. Virtuosic, mystical, and emotive, the violin has stood as the flagbearer of canonical and academic music. In Pablo Giménez Spanish Ensemble's production Flamenco de Cámara (Chamber Flamenco) a quartet combines the essence of flamenco with the instrumental framework of chamber music. The sentimental, tragic and melancholic music typical of Romanticism is tempered by the flamenco tradition, contrasting with flamenco's marked rhythms. Pablo Gimenez strums austere flamenco melodies on his guitar, while violinist Luis Barbero exalts the classical aspects of Gimenez's original compositions. The quartet is completed by cellist Álvaro Peregrina and dancer Miguel Ángel Rodriguez, contributing warmth and resonance to the music. Giménez's style focuses on a flamenco language that is influenced by chamber music's violin and cello, but as the Andalusian musical tradition dictates, is inseparable from the guitar and percussive dance. Card to Culture tickets available.