Nuestro Flamenco – Flamenco Festival USA 2026 (19/02/26)
Overview
In this rich and engaging episode, José María Velázquez-Gaztelu welcomes Miguel Marín, director of Flamenco Festival USA, for a special conversation marking the festival’s 25th anniversary. The episode explores the festival’s unique history, its relationship with New York, and the evolution of flamenco on American stages. Musicians set to appear in the 2026 edition—Gerardo Núñez, Álvaro Martinete, Dani de Morón, Rosario La Tremendita, Rocío Márquez, Ángeles Toledano, and others—are celebrated through selected recordings, while Marín offers an insider’s view on programming, risk, and the enduring “love story” between flamenco and New York City.
Episode Structure & Highlights
Guitar Prologue: Flamenco’s Present Stars (00:57–22:55)
- Host introduces the theme: Flamenco Festival USA (Feb 25–Mar 15, 2026), with special focus on New York but also Miami, Tampa, Chicago, Boston.
- Guitar-focused prologue featuring artists performing at the festival:
- Gerardo Núñez in “Soleá por Bulería – Templo del Lucero” (feat. Pablo Martín Caminero, Carmen Cortés, Cepillo) (~01:40)
- Álvaro Martinete in “Alegrías” (with Ángel Sánchez Cepillo) (~05:40)
- Historical links: Mario Escudero in NY; his friendship and collaboration with Sabicas; landmark recordings.
- Dani de Morón plays “Ojos Verdes” (the classic andalusian song reimagined for guitar) (~12:30)
Voices of Today: Festival Preview Performances (24:37–27:37)
- Short selections from flamenco performers, bridging into discussion about the significance of the festival and featured musicians.
Interview with Miguel Marín: History, Risks, and Programming (29:04–51:43)
The Festival’s Spirit – A Living, Creative Project (29:04–29:43)
- Marín: “Un festival tiene que ser algo fresco y vivo… ofrecer al público una propuesta interesante que haga que los teatros se pongan en pie allí donde estén.” (29:20)
- [A festival must remain lively and fresh… to inspire audiences wherever they are.]
Historical Context – New York and Flamenco’s “Love Story” (29:57–31:36)
- Dedicated this year to 140 years of flamenco in NY, not just the 25th festival anniversary.
- Key quote (Miguel Marín): “Celebramos una historia de amor entre Nueva York y el flamenco. Porque hace ya 140 años, en 1890, el flamenco triunfaba y entró por la puerta grande… Carmencita en 1890 ya llenaba el Madison Square Garden y fue una de las grandes divas de la época.” (30:10)
- Early flamenco stars in the US: Carmencita, Argentinita, Mario Maya, Vicente Escudero, Carmen Amaya, Sabicas, Mario Escudero, Paco de Lucía.
- Acknowledgement of researcher Gamboa for unearthing much of this history.
Programming Philosophy: Risk, Surprise, Audience Evolution (31:36–33:49)
- Marín: “Hay que estar abierto y siempre atento al cambio de gusto… el público es capaz de apreciar algo que hace tiempo igual no podía.” (31:54)
- Emphasis on risk: “Siempre existe riesgo… pero hay que jugársela. No puedes ir a lo seguro… se convertiría en un proyecto manido.” (32:50)
- This year, 50% of the artists perform in New York for the first time: “Esto da esa frescura, esa actitud. Hay gente que viene y descubre nuevas visiones del flamenco.”
Building a Faithful Audience (38:04–39:32)
- The importance of an engaged, curious public: “Dependemos del público en un 85%. Es fundamental.”
A Festival with a Thesis: Sense, Focus, and Homage (39:32–41:22)
- José María Velázquez-Gaztelu: “Cada edición tiene un argumento… propones una historia alrededor de la cual se diseña una programación, tiene un sentido, un enfoque.” (39:39)
- Tribute to historic figures: Carmencita, Argentinita, Carmen Amaya, Sabicas, Vicente Escudero, Mario Escudero, Paco de Lucía, Rosario y Antonio, Rita Hayworth (Los Cansinos), Carlos Montoya.
- Early pioneers “abrieron las puertas” for the next generations.
The Festival’s Evolution and its Continued ‘Love Story’ (41:22–44:00)
- Marín on honoring flamenco’s US pioneers: “Ellos pusieron una llama y nosotros lo que hemos hecho es avivarla… el flamenco siempre entró por la puerta de la fascinación, la puerta de la modernidad.” (41:22)
- Notable NY moments: Sabicas’ Town Hall concert, Carmen Amaya at Carnegie Hall, Carmencita inspiring John Singer Sargent’s paintings and Edison’s film camera.
Festival 2026: Scale, Reach, and Innovations (44:00–49:42)
- Rocío Márquez: highlighted for concerts and participation in academic activities.
- Festival by the numbers (Miguel Marín, 48:10):
- 16 companies, 40 shows, 180+ artists/crew, expected audience 29,000
- “El festival llega también al campo académico: Museo Guggenheim, Met Museum, NYU, Biblioteca Nacional… salimos también del teatro.”
- Cross-generational participation: Raquel Heredia (daughter of Rafaela Reyes “La Repompa”), reflecting Marín’s personal narrative in discovering flamenco in New York.
Closing – The Artists’ Voices (51:01–end)
- Short performance highlights of Ángeles Toledano; closing thanks and well-wishes.
- Host concludes with acknowledgment of Marín’s role and the enduring importance of the festival.
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- “Un festival tiene que ofrecer algo interesante, ser fresco y vivo para que siga teniendo esa chispa.”
—Miguel Marín (29:18) - “Celebramos una historia de amor entre Nueva York y el flamenco… Carmencita en 1890 ya llenaba el Madison Square Garden…”
—Miguel Marín (30:10) - “Nunca puedes ir a lo seguro… siempre hay que sorprender.”
—Miguel Marín (32:50) - “El festival llega también al campo académico… salimos también del teatro y vamos a museos, universidades…”
—Miguel Marín (48:58)
Key Insights
- Flamenco’s NYC Roots: The 2026 edition is profoundly shaped by New York’s role as both audience and crucible for flamenco artistry, tracing lines back to the late 19th century.
- Curatorial Ethos: Risk and openness are essential; half of this year’s artists are debuting, keeping the festival vital and the audience invested.
- Educational and Artistic Integration: The festival’s growth now incorporates major museums and academic institutions, expanding flamenco’s resonance and reach beyond the stage.
- Personal Connections: Marín’s route into flamenco via New York and Rafaela Reyes “La Repompa” underscores the festival’s ongoing dialogue between Spain and the US.
Featured Performers and Music Segments
- Gerardo Núñez (Soleá por Bulería, 01:40)
- Álvaro Martinete (Alegrías, 05:40)
- Dani de Morón (Ojos Verdes, 12:30)
- Rosario La Tremendita (Taranta, 34:26)
- Rocío Márquez (Malagueña Ausencia, 44:00)
- Ángeles Toledano (Bulería Nocturna Manzana, 51:01)
Tone
The episode mixes the warm, reflective storytelling of hosts and guests with performance excerpts, balancing nostalgia, celebration, and a strong sense of artistic mission.