Experience the drama of electrifying flamenco music and dance, while you enjoy a 10-course meal of scrumptious Spanish tapas, when Avalon presents the Flamenco Crew.
Flamenco Crew is a dynamic group who perform a rich combination of heart-pounding flamenco music, captivating song and dance delivered with passion, grace and fire. Some moments are intense, others light and joyous.
The group features Robbie Varga (flamenco guitar), Bernie White (flamenco guitar), Michael Walton (bass), Gaye (Alegria) Tomás (flute), Elena Varga and Veronica Gillmer (vocals/percussion/dance). Their blend of rich sounds and complex rhythms combined with exciting flamenco dance will delight you.
Enjoy a delicious 10-course menu of Spanish tapas created by the Avalon culinary team.
* Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options will be available. Please notify us at the time of booking.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Robbie Varga – Flamenco guitarist
“El Chispa” has been playing flamenco since childhood. He performed in Spain in “Tablaos” – regarded as the best place to learn the rhythms and singing accompaniment. He has studied with the several of the best “gitano” guitar musicians but more than anything, Robbie is known for his unique spontaneous musical quality – hence the nickname “Chispa” which means spark.
Bernie White – Flamenco guitarist
Bernie is a local guitarist who has played with and for some of Australia’s premier flamenco artists. He has accompanied flamenco dance for more than 25 years and was originally taught by former Blue Mountains guitarist Quentin Arnold. He has continued study of both flamenco and Indian classical music here and overseas. His musical improvisations for a local film helped win numerous awards for best music both here and internationally.
Michael Walton – Bass Guitarist
Michael Walton is a local musician who has played and taught guitar for 25 years, playing a range of styles ranging from classical to jazz and blues. He studied music at the Sydney Conservatorium and Canterbury University New Zealand, where he studied Spanish guitar with maestro Antonio Losada. He is currently performing with a variety of local groups and ensembles.
Alegria Tomás – Flute
Alegria studied classical flute at the NSW Conservatorium of Music with Jane Rutter in the late ’80s. Since then she has followed her passion for Latin music, performing and recording Brazilian, Latin American folk, Tango and more recently flamenco music. She founded and leads contemporary tango jazz group, Alturas. Their CDs receive extensive airplay on ABC Classic FM, Radio National as well as regional radio stations.Alegria regularly visits Spain, where she gains music and cultural inspiration, particularly in the flamenco genre.
Elena Lorenzo Varga – Flamenco dancer, singer, percussionist
Elena is a powerful and very talented flamenco dancer with an extraordinary sense of musicality. She has studied in Spain with Manuela Rios, Andres Peña, Carmela Riqueni and Chiqui de Jerez. Elena is also an accomplished singer and cajón percussionist. Along with Robbie Varga and Veronica Gillmer, she developed a group called The Flamenco Crew creating several wonderful productions including Rajasthan – Indian/Flamenco fusion group and Flamenco Dreaming – Flamenco Aboriginal fusion performance.
Veronica Gillmer – Flamenco dancer, percussionist (palmera)
Veronica is one of the very few flamenco dancers in this country who has an extensive history as a professional flamenco dancer working in Spain alongside many of the most famous dancers, singers and musicians at the time. In Australia Veronica was the flamenco dancer in Graeme Murphy’s Nutcracker in 2000. She created “exotic choreography” for the stage version of Strictly Ballroom for Baz Luhrmann. Veronica also choreographed the dance sequences for Carmen and La Traviata for Opera Australia on several occasions.