Flamenco Biennale

The Flamenco Biennale

Seville

4 days - September 25-28, 2008

If you've ever wanted to get to the heart of flamenco, then come with us to Seville during the month-long Flamenco Biennale. This extraordinary festival is held every two years in the Andalusian capital where traditional and cutting-edge artists perform their new shows. Flamenco is Spain's most passionate music, yet it can be frustratingly elusive without some inside-knowledge. Songlines Travel Leader Jan Fairley is on hand with those all-important keys that tell you what to listen and watch out for. Find out the difference between an alegría and bulería, a soléa and a sevillana.

Walk the Barrio Santa Cruz, the old quarter of winding streets and tiled patios, where we'll be staying and where you can sip a coffee, a fino sherry or a robust tinto, while feasting on the best tapas in the world. We'll visit the Museo Cristina Hoyos de Baile Flamenco and explore the history of song (cante) and dance (baile); and where the guitar fits in. Find out how this vibrant tradition evolved among Gypsies in the old Triana quarter, just a walk across the River Guadalquivir from the Maestranza bullring where flamenco musicians and bull fighters lived side by side. At night explore the roots of cante jondo (deep song) in classic bars where locals dance and sing.

We'll also take a short trip out on one of the flamenco routes to visit a few of the small towns and villages where many flamenco artists were born. Today small workshops still flourish alongside house museums and peña bars where you will have an opportunity to sample some of Andalucía's delicious olives, jamón and queso. Alongside the exceptional music, Seville is home to the magnificent Moorish and Christian monuments - the Giralda tower of the cathedral, Alcazar Palace and Gardens, the Plaza de España and more. Viva flamenco!

All Songlines Music Travellers will receive an information sheet about the local music plus recommended recordings and DVDs.

Seville Itinerary - 4 days

Day 1

Whether you are flying with us, via Madrid, or making your own way independently, you will meet your Travel Leader at 5pm at the hotel. You will be staying in the heart of the Santa Cruz district of the old city, close to many flamenco venues. It is also a short walk from the main sights - the cathedral, Giralda and Alcazar. After an introductory chat with your Travel Leader there is time for dinner before the evening concert of the flamenco biennale.

Day 2

There is time today to make your own exploration of the city. Planned activities will include a visit to the Flamenco Museum and a walking trip to Triana and possibly the bullring. Tonight we attend another concert in the biennale followed by optional late-night flamenco in a local bar.

Day 3

We head outside Seville for the day to a number of gorgeous Andalusian villages - including the home of Nina de los Peiñes, one of the important early singers of flamenco whose statue you will have seen in Triana. Lunch will be at a local bar. We return to Seville in the late afternoon. Time for a brief siesta before our last musical evening. Dinner, as always in Spain, can be fitted in early or enjoyed, alongside the music, later.

Day 4

After breakfast, you can go to mass at the cathedral - a real spectacle - and visit the Alcazar. After lunch in Seville, those returning with us will fly back to London via Madrid.