Paco Peña facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paco Peña
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Peña in the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Córdoba
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Francisco Peña Pérez |
| Born | 1 June 1942 Córdoba, Spain |
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| Occupation(s) | |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1967–present |
| Labels | Nimbus Records |
| Associated acts |
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Francisco Peña Pérez (born on June 1, 1942), known as Paco Peña, is a famous Spanish flamenco musician. He is a talented composer and guitarist. Many people consider him one of the best traditional flamenco guitarists in the world.
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Paco Peña's Early Life and Career
Paco Peña was born in Córdoba, Spain. He started learning to play the guitar when he was just six years old. His older brother taught him. By the age of 12, he was already performing professionally.
His family encouraged him to pursue music. He left home to perform across Spain. He was part of a government-supported program for folk music and dance. This led him to work with professional flamenco groups in Madrid. He also performed along the Costa Brava.
Paco Peña became a highly respected musician. He was known for playing guitar to support flamenco dancers and singers. But he wanted a new challenge. In the late 1960s, he moved to London. There, he began his career as a solo guitarist.
Becoming a Solo Star
In London, Paco Peña first became popular at the Restaurante Antonio in Covent Garden. People in Britain had not seen much flamenco before. They were very interested in his music. Soon, he was performing concerts with famous artists like Jimi Hendrix.
He had his first solo concert at Wigmore Hall in 1967. Before long, Paco Peña was touring the world. He performed as a solo artist and with other musicians. He played in famous venues like Carnegie Hall in New York City. He also played at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Paco Peña later started the world's first university course on flamenco guitar. This was at the Rotterdam conservatory of music. In 1984, he was interviewed by Julian Bream. This was for a TV show called Guitarra!. The show explored how the guitar developed in Spain.
Flamenco Centers and Awards
Paco Peña also created the Centro Flamenco Paco Peña in Córdoba. He helped start the yearly Córdoba Guitar Festival. This festival is now very famous. Other great flamenco guitarists like Manolo Sanlúcar and Paco de Lucía have performed there.
In 1997, King Juan Carlos of Spain honored Paco Peña. He was given the title "Oficial de la Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil." This is a special award for his achievements.
Famous Music and Collaborations
Paco Peña has composed many well-known pieces. His Misa Flamenca is a flamenco Mass. He also wrote Requiem for the Earth. Both of these works have received great praise.
He has also worked with other talented musicians. He collaborated with Argentinian guitarist Eduardo Falú. He also worked with the Chilean group Inti-Illimani.
Paco Peña has homes in London and Córdoba. His recent shows include Flamenco Sin Fronteras. This show explores how Venezuelan music and flamenco are connected. Another show, Quimeras, tells a story about immigrants from Africa arriving in Andalusia. This show features the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company.
Paco Peña has also worked with classical guitarist John Williams. He also wrote a chapter on flamenco guitar for a book. The book is called The Guitar (A Guide For Students And Teachers).
Paco Peña's Discography
Paco Peña has released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his recordings:
CD Albums
- 1987: Fragments of a Dream (Inti-Illimani with John Williams)
- 1987: Flamenco Guitar Music of Ramón Montoya and Niño Ricardo
- 1988: Azahara
- 1990: Leyenda (live in Cologne Inti-Illimani with John Williams)
- 1991: Misa Flamenca
- 1992: Encuentro (with Eduardo Falú)
- 1995: The Art of Paco Peña (anthology)
- 1999: Arte y Pasión (live, with Company)
- 2000: Flamenco Guitar (Montoya/Ricardo & Azahara)
- 2003: Flamenco Master: Essential flamenco recordings (anthology)
- 2004: Fabulous Flamenco / La Gitarra Flamenca (remastered)
- 2007: His Essential Recordings (anthology)
- 2007: A Flamenco Guitar Recital (live)
- 2007: Requiem for the Earth
- 2008: A Compás! (Live, with Company)
- 2014: Duo Recital (with Eliot Fisk)
- 2015: En estado de gracia
- 2018: Con la Verdad por Delante
LP Albums
- 1966: Flamenco! (El Sali & his Ballet Espagnol)
- 1968: The Incredible Paco Peña
- 1969: Carnival (with Los Marachuchos)
- 1970: Flamenco
- 1970: The Art of Flamenco (with Company)
- 1972: Flamenco Puro Live (with Company)
- 1973: The Art of the Flamenco Guitar
- 1975: Fabulous Flamenco!
- 1976: Toques Flamencos (Student pieces, with book)
- 1977: La Gitarra Flamenca [sic]
- 1978: The Flamenco World of Paco Peña
- 1979: Live in London
- 1980: Live at Sadler's Wells (with Company)
- 1985: Flamenco Vivo (live)
DVD Releases
- 1985: Guitarra! (Julian Bream) [guest appearance]
- 1991: Misa Flamenca
