What is old is new again: Who should pay for arts and culture?

Transcription

Volume 1, Issue 2: Winter 2010
What is old is new again: Who should pay for arts and
culture?
FLAMENCO ROSARIO
#102, 2083 Alma Street
Vancouver, BC V6R 4N6
(604) 737-1273
flamencorosario.org
Flamenco Rosario
Artistic/Executive Director:
Rosario Ancer
Musical Director:
Victor Kolstee
Newsletter Team
Barbara MacLellan
Onni Milne
This e-newsletter will be
published quarterly in
spring, summer, fall,
winter. Deadline for
submissions from
contributors is three
weeks prior to publication
date.
To download copies visit
flamencorosario.org
Newsletter content is
presented to inform
members about local,
provincial, and national
flamenco issues and
events, promote flamenco
culture and inspire
participation in the
flamenco arts scene.
Throughout most of our cultural and artistic history, artists were able to produce
their masterpieces because patrons supported them financially (patronage).
Hmmmm. This sounds familiar. It seems we are going back to the good (bad?)
old days as our elected governments cut back their support for arts and culture.
Corporations and wealthy donors are being asked to step forward to pay for
projects no longer supported by our tax dollars. Flamenco Rosario, like many
other arts organizations, suffered as a result of the sudden cutback in funding
from the provincial government. Arts groups across the country are also feeling
the effects of reduced support from the federal government.
Thankfully, wealthy art patrons made it possible for us to have the Mona Lisa
and the Sistine Chapel and the timeless music of composers such as Mozart and
Bach. We still appreciate these great masterpieces centuries after they were
created. The society we live in today is structured so that government grants
play an important part in supporting artists and creativity. This means that all of
us contribute to the art and culture that is created. When we think back to the
early days of Canada Council funding or the Governor General's awards and fast
forward to today, we see the effect stable government funding had in producing
the many talented and well-known artists and authors of today.
Cultural groups have shown the economic value they contribute to the economy
as people attend concerts and performances. Other contributions of arts and
culture are opportunities to move beyond ourselves to interact with others and
the ability to connect emotionally with art or music in a way that words only
lack. We have an opportunity to become more human through participation in
arts and culture. So, who should pay for arts and culture to exist? We all should
– through our personal or corporate donations, through buying tickets as
audience members, through volunteering and fundraising and through our tax
dollars.
We ask the provincial government to get back to funding provincial arts and
culture in a sustainable and stable manner. This will ensure that the current
generation of talented artists continue to grow in their fields as well as lay the
foundation for creative generations to come. We believe the results will be a
healthy, vibrant
• Flamenco Rosario on Youtube – page 3
and prosperous
• Notice of Annual General Meeting – page 4
economy and
society.
• Events Listing – page 2 & 4
• Veronica Stewart’s passion for flamenco – page 5
• Lola Flores: flamenco hero – page 7
“Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the Board, nor the Organization.”
Comments welcome: [email protected]
1
Flamenco Voice: The Newsletter of Flamenco Rosario
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
FLAMENCO ROSARIO
NOTICIAS (WHAT'S HAPPENING)
Performances:
March 16, Tuesday and 18, Thursday, 7:00pm – L.S.D.
Like other arts organizations, Flamenco
Flamenco Rosario: Two free performances as part of the
Rosario continues to struggle as a result of
Vancouver International Dance Festival at the Roundhouse.
the recent government cuts to arts
funding. We thank all our wonderful
March 25, Thursday, 2010, 12:00noon – Discover Dance!
members and supporters for making extra
Flamenco Rosario: A special edition of the popular Cuadro
efforts to help at this time. We realize
Flamenco featuring both traditional and contemporary
there are many other demands on
flamenco. Part of the Noon Series, presented by the Dance
people’s time and resources so we are
Centre. Tickets $10/$7 (students, seniors, children and
grateful for everything you do. We offer
Dance Centre members) from Tickets Tonight 604-684-2787.
these suggestions to give you an
May 16–l8, 2010, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday - Mis
opportunity to continue or increase any
Hermanas: Thicker Than Water, My Sisters and I:
support at this time:
Remount at the Roundhouse. If you missed this award
Become a member – Membership is just
winning show in 2008, now is your chance to see it. If you
$10.00. If you are not a member, please
saw it before, you will want to see this enhanced version. If
join us. If you are or have been a member,
you speak Spanish, you will have a chance to hear the
please renew. Benefits of membership
narrative in Spanish at one of the shows. Tickets will be on
include reduced ticket prices on some
sale soon. Check the Flamenco Rosario website for updates.
shows, reduced fees for Flamenco Rosario
sponsored workshops, members only
October 2010 – Flamenco Rosario Tour to Mexico: We
events, attendance and a vote at our
are working on plans for this exciting event. Check the
Annual General Meeting. Membership
website for updates.
renewal forms will be mailed out soon or
you can fill one in at the Centro office.
Become a volunteer – We welcome new volunteers, particularly those with an interest in communications.
We need help with the newsletter and our Facebook page. We also need some volunteers for events like
the peñas and the Gala.
Make a donation – If you are able to, we really appreciate your donations. Any amount $10.00 or over will
receive a tax deductible receipt as we are a registered charity.
Buy Blenz coffee beans – We are part of the Blenz Cares fundraising program. When you buy a package of
Machu Pichu organic fair trade Blenz coffee beans, over $7.00 from each purchase goes to Flamenco
Rosario. You can purchase on the Blenz Cares website (www.blenzcares.com) if you want 6 or more
packages. Otherwise let us know at Centro and we will put in an order once we reach the 6 packages mark.
Please note that the program has changed since our last newsletter and no longer involves all of the Blenz
product line. This is a small but effective way to support Flamenco Rosario, particularly if you start buying
your coffee this way regularly.
Attend our fundraising events – Whether it’s one of our fun and informal peñas or this year’s Gala dinner
in April, you can support us by attending and bringing your friends. And you can have fun at the same
time! See the events list for details of upcoming happenings or check the website at
www.flamencorosario.org .
Introduce Flamenco Rosario to your friends, family and
business or work colleagues - Aside from the fact that we
hope all of them will learn to enjoy flamenco, some of
these connections may result in new resources to support
flamenco. We are particularly looking for business
sponsors at this time. We will soon be looking for
donations to our silent auction for the April Gala. Let us
know by emailing us at [email protected] or by
th
At the 20 Vancouver International Flamenco Festival
talking to Rosario, Chloe or Cecile. You can phone
Photo Ana Pedrero
Flamenco Rosario by calling the office at 604-737-1273.
2
FLAMENCO ROSARIO’S FLAMENCO FRIDAY ON YOUTUBE
Every Friday starting March 5, we’re opening up our video archives to you. We have more than 100 VHS
tapes we are transferring to DVD, and in the process we’re selecting some wonderful scenes and dances to
share. Add a little flamenco to every Friday, via our YouTube Channel “FlamencoVancouver” and
Facebook page “Flamenco Rosario”.
www.youtube.com/FlamencoVancouver
Clips from video of Flamenco Rosario
productions.
USEFUL WEBSITES
Flamenco Rosario - www.flamencorosario.org
Centro Flamenco – www.centroflamenco.com
Best all around flamenco site – www.flamencoworld.com
Excellent flamenco radio 24/7 from Spanish broadcaster, Canal Sur www.radiotelevisionandalucia.es/tvcarta/impe/web/enDirecto?canal=ca1
Program guide for the above - http://blogs.canalsur.es/parrilla_cfl/
In Spanish –items of interest on flamenco cante - www.rtve.es/podcast/radio-exterior/el-callejon-del-cante/
3
EVENTS REPORT
Gala Dinner:
We had so much fun at the 20th Anniversary Gala
Dinner last year that we decided to have another
one this year! It will be at Brock House and and it
will be our opportunity to thank and recognize
Jennifer Simons and the Simons Foundation. The
support that Jennifer and foundation have given
and continue to give to Flamenco Rosario has
been crucial to our growth and development over
the past five years. There are many things that
simply could not have been done without this
help. Our productions would have been fewer and
not as fully realized. We have Jennifer to thank for
the Artist in Residence Program and for support
for the Professional Training Program. Our
sombreros are off to the Simons Foundation.
Mark Thursday, April the 8th on your calendars.
Be sure to buy your tickets early. Last year, this
event was completely sold out! Watch for
information on the website, at Centro and in
your email inbox.
NOTICIAS (WHAT'S HAPPENING)
Other Flamenco Rosario Events:
March 28, 2010, Sunday, 2:30pm – Rosario Ancer
Flamenco Arts Society Annual General Meeting:
At Centro Flamenco. A notice of the meeting will be
coming out early in March.
April 8, 2010, Thursday, 7pm - Flamenco Rosario
Gala Dinner: At Brock House. Be sure to get your
tickets early for this stellar evening to honour the
Simons Foundation and Jennifer Simons for their
wonderful support of Flamenco Rosario. If you
missed last year’s sold out Gala, you won’t want to
miss this one! Fun, music, dance, silent auction and
fine food - all at the beautiful Brock House location
overlooking English Bay. Tickets are $80.00 and will
be on sale soon. Watch for more information or
check the website at www.flamencorosario.org .
Mis Hermanas – Thicker than Water,
My Sisters and I:
This remount is scheduled at the Roundhouse
for May 16-18, 2010. Mis Hermanas tells a very
personal story, yet one full of resonance for
everyone. As many of you know, Rosario
followed her dream of flamenco from Mexico to
Spain, the only one of her family to seek a career
in the arts and to move so far away from home.
In Spain, she met and married flamenco guitarist
Victor Kolstee, a Canadian born in Holland. This
multicultural couple eventually settled in Canada
where they raised their family and established
their flamenco school and dance company. But
Rosario maintained and maintains strong ties to
her brothers and sisters in Mexico. In this multi
media presentation, she reflects on her life as an
immigrant, the ties to her seven sisters and the
joys and tragedies of their lives that remain
intertwined despite time and distance.
Featuring an international cast of flamenco
dancers and musicians that includes the very
best of Canada’s flamenco dancers, this show is
not to be missed. Please check the website and watch for information about tickets.
4
A PASSION FOR FLAMENCO: Veronica (Bonnie) Stewart
The question I get asked the most about my involvement with
flamenco is, “Aren’t you Spanish?” This follows my negative reply,
“Why do you do flamenco?” I was seven years old when I begged my
parents to take me to my first dance class. I haven’t stopped since.
Dance has always been a huge part of my life. Here I am today,
immersed in the art of flamenco.
I grew up in the small town of Gibsons, B.C. and was lucky enough to
be exposed to a variety of dance genres - tap, ballet, Hawaiian, jazz,
and musical theatre - from a variety of teachers brave enough to take
a ferry so they could instill their wisdom to eager “dance kids”. Many
of these amazing teachers were themselves students of Kay Armstrong
and Teo Morca. Hence, my first exposures to flamenco began. Not
flamenco exactly, more like Spanish folk and baile classico español.
I learned how to play the castanets from my tap and Hawaiian
teachers at the age of 11. Then, it was on to competing in dance
festivals and doing CDTA exams with the Jota and fancy pirouettes to
the music of “Granada”. I couldn’t get enough of it. No surprise that I
tagged along with my friend Karen Boothroyd to my first flamenco
class with Rosario in 1990. I remember it vividly. Lots of different
rhythms, fast footwork and arm exercises with sticks. This was a far
cry from tour jetes and Placido Domingo. THIS WAS FLAMENCO!
Veronica Stewart
Photo Lanyoung Ko
I was hooked. But I had no idea where my love of this complex dance
form would take me. My life in the performing arts has included
obtaining a degree in theatre from the University of British Columbia.
My professional career in theatre and dance has given me the
opportunity to tour provincially and nationally and to perform for
celebrities and royalty. A recent milestone was performing for
Canada’s Governor General Michaelle Jean. Another achievement was
performing with prima ballerina Evelyn Hart in the Pacific Dance Arts
“Arts in Motion” event. I have had the opportunity to study and
perform with some of North America's and Spain’s great flamenco
artists: Carmen de Torres, La Tanya, Sabas Santos, Marisol Moreno,
Myriam Allard, and Rosario Ancer. At the Festival de Jerez, I have
taken classes with famed artists Blanca del Rey, Isabel Bayon and
Antonio El Pipa. In Seville, I have taken classes with Juana Amaya,
Alicia Marquez and Pilar Ortega.
Today, I am a member of Flamenco Rosario and a professional
flamenco performer. I have taught flamenco for Arts Umbrella and
UBC’s Alma Mater Society. I currently instruct flamenco at Centro
Flamenco and Anna Wyman School of Performing Arts. I enjoy my
weekly performances at the Kino Café and the Chai Restaurant. Both
have a lively atmosphere, reminiscent of flamenco tablaos in Spain.
As I get ready to go to Jerez next month, I reflect on the many fantastic
experiences and opportunities along the way.
Veronica Stewart
5
One memory that stands out for me was my first show with Flamenco Rosario. It was “Ayer y Hoy” at the
Waterfront Theatre in 2000. I had a solo – Guajiras. I was dressed in white from head to toe. Rosario had
lent me her large white fan. I was terrified that I would drop it and it would break into pieces! I still get
nervous before shows, even last year at the Flamenco Festival. I always strive to do my best for the
Company and Rosario because flamenco has become such an important part of my life.
A FLAMENCO DANCER …
IS A FLAMENCO DANCER …
IS A FLAMENCO DANCER …
Some flamenco whimsy from Rosario’s collection of flamenco figurines
6
FLAMENCO HEROES: Lola Flores
“When I was ten, I saw Lola Flores singing and dancing
flamenco in 'De Colour Moreno' and other movies and before
long, I was trying to imitate her style. She was called 'La Lola
deEspana' and when she died (in 1995) all Spain paid tribute
to her.” - Rosario Ancer.
Manolo Caracol and Lola Flores.
Lola Flores was one of the most loved and memorable figures
in twentieth century Spain. For the greatest part of her
career, she was not known for flamenco although she used
some of the lighter styles of flamenco singing in her shows.
But she certainly began her career as a flamenco singer and
dancer.
Lola Flores was born Maria de los Dolores Flores Ruiz to a
poor family in Jerez de la Frontera in 1922. She earned money from the age of ten by singing in local bars.
By age 15, Lola was performing with a group of artists that included cantaor Manolo Caracol. In 1940, the
family moved to Madrid where she continued her career. She formed an artistic/romantic partnership with
Caracol in 1945 that made them both highly popular. It was perhaps the greatest partnership in the history
of Spanish show business. They performed and toured widely, bringing flamenco to theatres and stages all
over Spain and beyond. Their shows often had themes or stories, using flamenco in a theatrical way.
By 1953, Lola was an established solo artist. She had extended her career to Latin America with great
success, continuing throughout the sixties and seventies. She married guitarist Gonzalez, “El Pescailla.”
They had three children, all of whom pursued careers in the arts.
She performed in almost forty films and some television. Her first film was “Martingala” (1939) with
legendary flamenco singer Pepe Marchena. With Manolo Caracol, her greatest successes came with
“Embrujo” (1947) and “La Niña de la Venta” (1951). Other memorable films included "La Faraona" (1955)
from which she became known as La Faraona – the pharaohess. She was also known as “Lola deEspana”.
Lola could do almost anything: dance, sing, act. Later in her career, she hosted shows and television
programs not always about music. She recounted
TASTY TREAT: ZOCALO RESTAURANT
her life in a 1994 documentary called “Coraje de
2515 Main Street, Vancouver, (604) 677-3521:
Vivir” – the Courage to Live. Her favourite hobby
was painting. Exhibitions of her work were held in
Zocalo offers contemporary Mexican cuisine and
Spain and America.
various events. Their goal is to be environmentally
Her life was not without its problems. In 1987, she
was accused of tax evasion and imprisoned for 16
months in 1991 and fined 28 million pesetas (about
$28,000) for failing to declare her income between
1982-85.
Lola Flores died of cancer in 1995. Mourners
crowded Mardrid's streets waiting for the coffin to
go by, singing “La Zarzamora,” one of her favourite
songs. In March 2003, a monument in Lola Flores'
honour was unveiled in Jerez, her hometown, a few
metres from the house where she was born.
Sources: www.esflamenco.com; Wikipedia
www.andalucia.com/history/people/lolaflores.htm
conscious in all aspects of the restaurant, from
purchase of food to disposing of garbage. On
October 28, 2009, they were featured on CBC’s “The
Early Edition” to honour Dia de los Muertos.
Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead with lots of
food and festivities to honour their loved ones who
have died. Chef Tanya Shklanka discussed her
special menu – lots of salsa verde and mole. To
satisfy the sweet tooth, she provides a bread pudding
using local ingredients - her own twist on capirotada,
a traditional Mexican dessert.
Recipes: www.cbc.ca/earlyedition/food.html.
Their website: www.zocalorestaurant.ca
7
PALOS – FLAMENCO MUSIC AND DANCE
FORMS: Fandangos
You will often hear it said that flamenco is Gypsy music.
Gypsies or “Gitanos” as they are called in Spanish have been
the main exponents of the art of flamenco. But they are
only partly responsible for its origin. There have always
been many non-Gitanos who were and are great flamenco
artists.
Flamenco music consists of two main streams: Cante gitano
(Gypsy songs) and Cante andaluz (Andalucian songs of the
folk tradition). It is believed that the Gypsies came to
A group of fandango dancers at a Romeria.
Andalucia from India around 1425, bringing with them their
own distinctive songs and dances. Andalucía was still under
Arab rule then but was soon conquered by the Christians. Gypsies along with Jews and Moors were
subjected to cruel persecution, including the Spanish Inquisition. This forced many Gypsies, Moors, and
Jews to flee to the mountains where it was difficult for authorities to find them. Over the years, their
cultures merged into what we think of as the Gypsy culture and flamenco music of today.
Of the many flamenco “palos” or music, song and dance forms (soleares, fandangos, farruca, tangos,
siguiriyas, bulerias, cantinas, tonas, deblas and others), fandango is one that clearly comes from the
Andalucian folk tradition. Along with the solear, it is thought to be one of the oldest forms and the
foundation of a large group of flamenco song forms.
The origins of the fandango are unclear. It may have come from 16th century Portugues “esfandangado”, a
word denoting a popular song. Some think it may have
been of Arabian or even American origin. It has a 12count compas or phrase and is in 3/4 time. It is also
characterized by a distinctive descending chord
progression (A minor/G major/F major/E major) and
lyrics with octosyllabic verses. Many fandangos are for
dancing and the use of castanets was part of the dance
from at least the 18th century. Traditional fandangos are
still danced and sung in areas of Andalucia today.
Various regions and even different towns have developed
their unique variants of the fandango.
Fandangos were also sung by flamencos and can be said
to have been “flamencoized” in a variety of ways.
Different prominent flamenco singers (cantaores) created
their own versions which then lead to regional variations.
For example, verdiales and rondeñas malagueños are
typical of Malaga. The fandango de Huelva gave rise to
fandangos naturales, with a free flowing form and true
'jondo' flamenco flavour made distinctive by each
individual cantaor. The granaína and media granaína are
typical of Granada. The taranto, taranta and cartagenera
are from Almería and are also known as cantes de las
minas – song of the mines. In the Philippines, a Spanish
colony for over 300 years, a dance called Pandango sa
A little girl in a traditional fandango costume in the
province of Huelva
8
Ilaw (Fandango with Lights)
has its origins in the
fandangos of Andalucia.
Dancers generally carry
glasses with lighted candles
inside swirling them around
as they dance but always
keeping them upright.
FLAMENCO IN TOWN
EAST IS EAST (MAIN): 4413 Main Street, Vancouver, (604) 879-2020: A
small, casual Middle Eastern and Indian restaurant offering exotic organic
flavours from Istanbul to Calcutta. Live flamenco on Saturday nights.
KINO CAFE: 456 Cambie Street, Vancouver, (604) 875-1998: They have
hosted flamenco performances with local artists in their European bistro
atmosphere since the mid 1990s. Various local flamenco performers on
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Fandangos for dancing have
LA ZUPPA: 1544 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, (604) 986-6556: A
a strong rhythm and can be
cozy, friendly little restaurant featuring Spanish, Mediterranean and South
danced in flamenco style.
American fare. Live flamenco on Friday and Saturday nights.
Many of the forms are for
CORDUROY: 1943 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver, (604) 733-0162:
singing and are more free
Kitsilano's newest watering hole featuring fantastic food and a great
flowing with less defined
atmosphere. Live venue for flamenco Sundays, 8-10 pm.
rhythm. Some flamenco
scholars believe that
fandango is the true source of all flamenco – that debate continues.
Sources: Wikipedia; Flamenco World.com; Andalucia.com; “Ayer y Hoy del cante flamenco”, 1997, Manuel
Rios Ruiz; “Conocer el Flamenco”, 2002, Juan Vergillos.
MEMBER COMMENTS
Just finished reading thru newletter ---- WELL
DONE ---- it was interesting from beginning
to end. – (JA)
Kudos and more kudos to Rosario and Victor,
for their vision and tireless creative efforts to
put flamenco on the map here in Vancouver.
Rosario deserves any and all awards
presented to her. I continue to enjoy and
support her in her future endeavours.
p.s. Flamenco Voice is an excellent idea. –
(BF)
I would like to thank you for all your
information. – (MF)
ADD YOUR VOICE TO
FLAMENCO VOICE
SEND US YOUR COMMENT OR
CONTRIBUTION BY APRIL 30 FOR
NEXT NEWSLETTER.
th
Rosario Ancer and Victor Kolstee at the 20 Vancouver
International Flamenco Festival.
Photo Ana Pedrero
9

What is old is new again: Who should pay for arts and culture?

Transcription

Similar documents

Dossier

Espectaculos_english_files/Dossier ROJO Y ROSA sin contacto

SIMOF. International Flamenco Fashion Show

Zorongo Student Matinee Study Guide About Zorongo Show

olga pericet

Dinner + Flamenco show

FIESTA FLAMENCA

Spanish Discipline Presents Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre

Compañia Flamenca José Porcel: Flamenco Fire

“Flamenco” file