Madrid Guia: Art / Culture: Music: Flamenco

Music: Flamenco

Flamenco is without doubt one of Spain's great contributions to the musical art form. While its roots are in the gypsy culture of Andalusia, and the bulk of the important Flamenco artists are still of Gypsy decent, it is receiving more and more international attention. 'True' flamenco is an art form which can happen spontaneously whenever a group of people gathers, and in which the audience forms an integral part of the performance. In Madrid it would be unrealistic to expect things to be quite that spontaneous, but a good peña (club at which flamenco is performed) can still offer an intimate atmosphere in which the audience becomes thoroughly involved.

The heart of Flamenco is voice accompanied by a guitar. Other important 'instruments' are las palmas (palms, or clapping hands) and el cajón (a box which is used like a drum). Dance often accompanies the song, but it is by no means necessary, and the music is often best appreciated on its own.

To see current listings of flamenco concerts, check out our flamenco concert listings.

Candela

Peña Flamenca Fosforito

La Soleá

Torres Bermejas

Zambra

Candela Olmo 3 Metro: Tirso de Molina Zone: Lavapiés		Bar with Flamenco atmosphere and music playing in the background. Live shows only occasionally.

Café de Chinitas Torija 7, Metro: Santo Domingo Zone: Opera		Flamenco music and dance. Dinner and show around 50 euro. Show only 25 euro. Open 21:00 - 3:00 www: http://www.chinitas.com/

Casa Patas Cañizares 10 Metro: Antón Martín Zone: Lavapiés		Restaurant/bar with flamenco shows of singing only or singing and dancing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at midnight. Open 21:00 - 5:00 www: http://www.casapatas.com email: CPATAS@teleline.es

Corral de la Morería Morería 7 Metro: Opera/La Latina Zone: La Latina		Dinner with song and dance. Open 21:00 - 3:00. Shows start at 22:45. Has a car parking service and accepts major credit cards. 20 euro show only.

Corral de la Pacheca Juan Ramón Jímenez 26 Metro: Cuzco Zone: Plaza Castilla		Song and dance starting at 22:30 - (geared towards tourists rather than locals). Dinner and show around 45 euro, show only + 1 drink 36 euro. Open 21:30-1:00

Peña El Chaquetón Canarias 39 Metro: Palos de la Frontera/Delicias Zone: Atocha		Singing+ guitar only. Friday nights beginning at 22:30, performances begin at 23:00 (best to arrive a little early), 15 euro. Some of the best Flamenco can be heard in this small and authentic peña. Bottle of Manzanilla 15 euro. Do not be deterred by the note at the entrance which states 'members only', but it's best not to arrive in very big groups.

Peña flamenca Fosforito Picos de Europa, 11 Metro: Nueva Numancia Zone: Vallecas (south of the center, not on our maps)		Open Saturdays only with shows starting at 23:00.

La Soleá Cava Baja 27 Metro: La Latina Zone: La Latina		Reasonably good Flamenco bar

Torres Bermejas Mesonero Romanos 11 (near corner with Gran Vía ) Metro: Callao Zone: Gran Vía		Restaurant with song and dance show. 20:00 - late. Accepts credit cards and has car park service.