Photo by Troy Templin

SANTA MONICA SYMPHONY AND ADAM DEL MONTE TO PRESENT FREE FLAMENCO WORKSHOP AT VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK The Santa Monica Symphony will present a free flamenco guitar and dance workshop on Sunday, January 8 at 4:00 PM at the Virginia Avenue Park Thelma Terry Performance Space (2200 Virginia Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404). The afternoon will feature demonstrations and discussion by Los Angeles-based guitarist/composer Adam del Monte and dancer Vanessa Acosta. The event is supported by grants from the James Irvine Foundation and Herb Alpert Foundation. This workshop is part of the Symphony’s larger focus on flamenco and folklorico traditions over the next two years. On January 15, 2012, the Symphony will premiere Paisajes, del Monte’s newest flamenco concerto at a free concert at the SGI Auditorium. The Virginia Avenue workshop is designed to prepare audiences for the premiere and introduce them to flamenco musical and dance traditions. Del Monte will discuss the social history and context of flamenco, break down its forms and rhythms, and play various pieces with Acosta. There will also be opportunities for audience participation. The workshop is free and open to the public; families and groups are especially welcome. For more information, contact the Symphony at (310) 395-6330.