Thrilling Ensemble Espanol Opens Auditorium Thea. Season Oct. 16

Chicago IL

14 October, 2021

1:56 PM

Description

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, returns to the Auditorium Theatre with a joyous and highly entertaining program this Saturday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. This performance is the first presented performance since the Auditorium Theatre closed in March of 2020, and opens the Auditorium's 2021-2022 Season. It is the first program in the Auditorium's "Made in Chicago" Dance Series, the kick-off event of Instituto Cervantes' Chicago Flamenco Festival 2021, and finale performance of Ensemble Español's 45th anniversary "Zafiro Flamenco (Sapphire Flamenco): New Era, New Works, New Legacies" season. "Over 17 months ago, we presented our last live performance on our historic stage. On Oct. 16 we are excited to open our doors once again with the celebrated Chicago dance company Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater," said Auditorium Theatre CEO Rich Regan. "We invite all of Chicago to this grand re-opening as we continue our 131-year journey as one of the city's premier cultural institutions." "We're proud to open the Auditorium Theatre after its long closure," says Irma Suarez Ruiz, Ensemble Español Artistic Director. "For 45 years the company has been creating dance and performing in this great city. A concert is an ideal way to celebrate this achievement." "This is the 15th time we've performed on the Auditorium Theatre stage," says Jorge Perez,Ensemble Español Executive & Associate Artistic Director. "We are always grateful when we perform here, knowing the unparalleled opportunity a performance here means to connect with Chicago audiences as one of the cities very own international cultural treasures. The program for the Oct. 16 engagement will open with "Tangos de Granada" (2021) choreographed by Chicago's own, Wendy Clinard, Artistic Director, Clinard Dance. The program also features two world premieres of Ensemble Español Company works: "Ritmo de la Tierra (Rhythm of the Earth)" (Martinete), and "Al Golpe" (Jaleos) choreographed by Nino de los Reyes, the first dancer to ever win a Grammy. Reyes is also showcased as performer in two solo works: "Farruca" (2021) and the world premiere of "Lo Que Los Ojos No Ven" (What the Eyes Cannot See) also choreographed by de los Reyes. de los Reyes began his career at the young age of nine in the show Campanas Flamencas, directed by Paco Sánchez, founder of the legendary Cumbre Flamenca. Since then worked with many acclaimed artists in the flamenco field. Due to his versatility and knowledge of both music and dance, he has also been asked to record and collaborate with some of the world's biggest pop and jazz stars including international superstar Paul Simon's for the album, "Stranger to Stranger;" and "Antidote" with Chick Corea and the Spanish Heart Band. "Antidote" (and de los Reyes as member of the band) was honored with a Grammy for the 2020 Best Latin Jazz Album. As quoted in the Feb. 2020 edition of an interview in Dance Magazine by Bridgit Lujan, de los Reyes observed, "It's an enormous honor to be the first dancer to receive this recognition. Sometimes we dancers are behind the scenes, secondary to the music, specifically in these events, even though we create music with our body. I will always be proud to be a dancer, but I also consider myself a musician and percussionist from my soul. In this case, music gave me a gift that I'll never forget, demonstrating how music and dance are one." Other works in the Oct. 16 program will include the folkloric suite "Viva Galicia" (2007) by Paloma Gomez & Christian Lozano and popular works from the company's repertoire including the company's signature work, "Bolero" (1993) choreographed by Company Founder Dame Libby Komaiko. Musical guest artists performing in the program include: Flamenco singer/guitarist Paco Fonta (Jaen/Miami); singer,guitarist and percussionist José Moreno (Madrid, Malaga, New York); Flamenco guitarist David Chiriboga (Ecuador/Chicago) classical guitarist Brian Torosian (Chicago); Percussionist Javier Saume-Mazzei (Venezuela/Albuquerque). Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, performs at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., Individual tickets start at $25 and are available online at auditoriumtheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive). COVID-19 protocols: Please note: all visitors to the Auditorium Theatre must wear masks and show proof of vaccination. For more information visit auditoriumtheatre.org.