Experience an impressive line-up during this year’s festival that spans the worlds of music and dance and features some of the art’s brightest rising stars as well as established, critically acclaimed artists. These distinctive events further the Instituto Cervantes’ dedication to bringing the finest of Spanish and Hispanic culture in Chicago. Festival attendees will find something to suit all tastes in the full range of Flamenco arts explored in the performances.

From the Opening Night celebration Friday, February 14 featuring flamenco dancer Vanesa Aibar, accompanied by guitarist Eduardo Pacheco and vocalist Cristian de Moret. Vanesa Aibar conveys the art of Flamenco through her stylistic and powerful self-choreographed dance. WBEZ’s Alison Cuddy hosts the evening.

The Festival finally closes out March 22nd wtih Sonia Olla and Tiempo Al Aire (“Time in the air”) and special guest: Chiara Mangiameli. Born in Barcelona, Sonia Olla is a well-known flamenco dancer. She trained in Condal at the Instituto de Teatro y Danza where she specialized in Flamenco dance. After training with high caliber flamenco artists and teachers she began her professional career in the Rafael Amargo Company, followed by other artistic projects, the most notable being with Domingo Ortega, Aida Gomez, Nuevo Ballet Espanol, Eva la Yerbabuena, Rafaela Carrasco, and Maria Pages.