From the shores of Syria to the gates of Europe, in Andalusia, this original production closing the 19th season of the FMA is an uncommon and illustrious gathering of two of the greatest musical traditions of the Arab world and the West: qudud and flamenco.
This original and highly promising work is written by guitarist and composer Carlos Piñana, one of the 21st century’s most sought-after flamenco artists, borne by the dazzling voices of Celia Romero and Abdel Karim Hamdan, two young prodigies who stand out with their captivating charisma and outstanding vocal prowess, backed by the OktoEcho ensemble under the direction of Katia Makdissi-Warren.
A dark jewel with a husky and silky voice, Spanish singer Celia Romero gained her spurs on Europe’s best known flamenco stages. A disciple coveted by today’s greatest flamenco voices, she received the prestigious Lámpara Minera award while barely 16 years old. Since then, she has persistently taken up the most varied and ambitious projects in the genre, engaging in numerous collaborations with the most famous artists.
The beguiling Abdel Karim Hamdan, from the sumptuous city of Aleppo with its multi-thousand-year history, conveys the most precious treasures of the Levantine heritage with such ease as to border on insolence! Mawwal and qudud vocal numbers stream fluently from this singer with his irresistible flow of sound that has left its mark on Arab television, stirring the clamour of the crowds and viewers during his appearance on the very popular show Arab Idol.
It is therefore under the sign of virtuosity and boldness that the fleeting and impetuous moment constituted by Qudud Flamenco will truly shine. The Adonis with a resounding voice and the Carmen with songs made of flesh, a duet among the most glamorous, engages with flair, under the masterful direction of Carlos Piñana, in a dialogue made of ecstasies and rhythms, where Andalusian duendes and Levantine inspirations are juxtaposed in a true moment of musical discharge, with sounds blazing and mingling in a fire crackling with passion.
