The Paco de Lucía Interpretation Centre has opened the seminar "Paco de Lucía, between the two waters of flamenco and classical music" as part of the XXIX Autumn Courses of the University of Cádiz (UCA). The event, held on 13 and 14 November, is organised in collaboration with the Algeciras City Council and brings together specialists and performers to explore the relationship between the renowned Algeciras guitarist and classical music.
The inaugural event was attended by Pilar Pintor, the first deputy mayor and cultural delegate, along with the deputy mayor for finance and European funds. Also present were Pilar Paz, a representative from the University of Cádiz; Francisco Perujo, the seminar coordinator; and specialists José María Bandera and David Leiva.
During her speech, Pilar Pintor welcomed the attendees and emphasised the role of the Interpretation Centre as a meeting place for cultural and academic activities centred around the figure of the guitarist. She also expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the University of Cádiz and highlighted the importance of initiatives that help to disseminate the legacy of Paco de Lucía.
The municipal representatives underscored the connection of this activity with the city’s sustainable development strategy, which is supported by €15 million in European funding. The seminar, coordinated by Professor Francisco Perujo, aims to delve into Paco de Lucía's relationship with classical music, referencing some of his most notable recordings, such as Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez and the album Paco de Lucía interprets Manuel de Falla.
This seminar coincides with the 150th anniversary of Falla's birth and discusses the influences and connections between classical music and flamenco. Among the participants is José María Bandera, Paco de Lucía's nephew and a guitarist who collaborated with him on various projects. He shared his experiences recording the Concierto de Aranjuez and other works with the artist.
David Leiva, a doctor and official transcriber of Paco de Lucía's works, will also participate, discussing the guitarist's relationship with composers such as Falla, Rodrigo, and Albéniz based on his research into their musical productions.
Tomorrow's session will feature Mauricio Sotelo, an internationally renowned composer and orchestra conductor, alongside writer and biographer of Paco de Lucía, José Manuel Gamboa. The programme will also include an analysis of the European musical nationalism movement, which aimed to connect classical music with popular traditions and dances, examining the contributions of figures like Albéniz, Granados, and Manuel de Falla.
This initiative reinforces the collaboration between the City Council and the University of Cádiz in the fields of education, research, and cultural dissemination, with the Paco de Lucía Interpretation Centre serving as a venue to deepen the universal dimension of his legacy.
