Friends of the Arts

Vito Genna
Classical Guitar & Flamenco Dance

Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 2:00pm
At the Library Auditorium

Join us for an afternoon featuring the Flamenco traditions of Andalusia, Spain. Flamenco originated as a folk art form combining guitar, dance and percussion, with genres of songs passed on by oral tradition from one artist to another. Historically, it has been the musical outlet for the poor and oppressed. Flamenco includes elements from four different cultures: Arab, Gypsy, Jewish, and Andalusian - all of which influenced Spanish culture at different points in history. Our performance features a guitarist, percussionist, and dancer.

Vito Genna, a native of Long Island, has been playing guitar since the age of twelve. He studied classical guitar under the direction of William Zito and flamenco guitar under the direction of Dennis Koster, and earned his degree in Music from Hofstra University. Mr. Genna has performed at many locations and events in New York City and on Long Island. His music is based on the traditional flamenco forms, ranging in style from the romantic and Latin-influenced such as Mantillas de Feria, Guajiras, and Rumbas to the traditional forms such as Sevillanas and Bulerias. It includes a lot of the festive and lively sounds for which flamenco is best known, as well as classical repertoire of the great baroque and classical composers. Accompanied by flamenco dancers Lisa Adele Nazli or Viola Marks-Kelly and percussionist Timonthy Jordan, Mr. Genna's Fuerza Flamenca group combines true flamenco elements with some contemporary arrangements for a thoroughly enjoyable performance.