Symphony Space

Alex Conde, piano composer

Piano composer born in Valencia. He is one of the most significant figures of flamenco piano of his generation. Pianist Alex Conde has maintained a fruitful and versatile career as a conductor and composer for more than a decade. His dazzling technique and unique musical presentation have taken him to some of the most prestigious jazz stages.

Arturo O’Farrill, pianist

Pianist, composer and teacher of Mexican origin, raised in New York.

He began his career in Carla Bley’s band and later became a soloist, collaborating with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte. In 2007 he founded the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to performing, educating and preserving Afro-Latin music.

Rubem Dantas, percussion

Rubem Dantas was born into a musical family in Salvador de Bahia. His earliest exposure to music was studying piano with his mother. His interest soon turned to percussion. It was with Vahindo do Gantois, whom Rubem considers his master, where it all began, playing some of the most important festivals in Brazil. In 1977, his move to Madrid allowed him to play with other outstanding musicians and be in the middle of the growing new flamenco movement. Pedro Ruy Blas invited Rubem to join the group “Dolores,” and it was in that group that he met Jesus Pardo, Alaro Yebenes, and Jorge Pardo. During this time, he crossed paths with guitar legend Paco de Lucia. The two formed one of the world’s most influential and innovative new flamenco bands. They toured extensively with Carles Benavent, Ramon de Algeciras, Joaquin Grilo, Duquende, Jorge Pardo, and Jose Bandera. While in Peru, Rubem discovered the native percussion instrument, the cajon. He felt it could add a new dimension to the already pioneering flamenco sound he was helping create. Dantas has recorded or performed with Vince Mendoza, Gilberto Gil, Paquito D’Rivera Chick Corea, and Touchstone. He currently lives in Granada, Spain.

Karime Amaya, Dancer

Bailaora was born in México in 1985, the grandniece of the legendary Carmen Amaya. Karime is one of the world’s most recognized and respected dancers. She carries the blood and legacy of “La Capitana” Carmenn Amaya. Her debut at 9 was in the company of her parents, bailaora Mercedes Amaya “La Winy” and guitarist Santiago Aguilar, with whom she began her career at 12 and continues to dance. Karime has been performing as a soloist in the world’s most essential forums and tablaos, and has shared the stage with Tomatito, Los Losada, Farruquito, Gerardo Nuñez, and the lineup with dancers such as Maria Pages, Israel and Postora Galvan, Antonio Canales, Manuela Carrasco, Rafael and Adela Campallo, Torombo, Rafael del Carmen, Mario Maya’s company, Antonio “El Pipa,” the Farruco family, among many others.

Chonchi Heredia, vocal

Asunción Heredia, Chonchi, a Spanish cataora [singer], born in Granada. She started as a backing vocalist for dancers such as Joaquín Cortés or Antonio Canales, and artists such as Ketama, Estopa, Raimundo Amador, Vicente Amigo, or Jorge Pardo. A female, flamenco, unmistakable voice that is none other than Conchi’s. She is one of those valued voices in the world of flamenco, a genre she has loved since she was a child, singing alongside such influential names as Miguel Bosé, Rosario Flores, and Paco de Lucía.

Antonio Serrano, harmonica

Latin Grammy winner and Madrid-born Antonio Serrano started learning the harmonica from his dad at age 7. Already performing with Larry Adler at age 13, Antonio developed a unique playing technique that helped him easily transition from classical to blues, jazz, and pop music. Performing with Paco de Lucia established him as one of the most renowned Spanish musicians.

Antonio Rey, flamenco guitar

Rey was born in the Flamenco saga. The generational knowledge transfer begins at birth. Born in Madrid in 1981, he started performing at age ten with his father in the tablaos (Flamenco bars) of Mexico and was soon touring the world on his own. He has also worked with guitar legends Paco de Lucia and Vicente Amigo. Rey has backed famous singers such as Miguel Poveda, Diego el Cigala, and Estrella Morente and famous dancers such as Antonio Canales, Joaquín Cortés, and Farruquito. He has composed a lot of music for dance. For artists like Antonio Rey, playing is as simple and essential as breathing. He is known as a charismatic character.