Chekara Arab-Andalusian Orchestra of Tetouan February 18, 2010

Instituto Cervantes Chicago is proud to present this year's Chicago Flamenco Festival. The month-long festival will feature performances, workshops, lectures, and film screenings celebrating the Andalusian art of flamenco, and will culminate in the world-wide "Día de Andalucia" day of simultaneous performances in all 26 Instituto Cervantes Centers around the world.

Members of the Orchestra:

Violin & voice: Jallal Chekara
Kanun & choirs: Aziz Samsawi
Darbouka & choirs: Mouhssine Kuraichi
Lute & choirs: Youssef El Hossaieni


This program presents the Andalusian repertoire of Moroccan al-ala music, which originated in the medieval courts of Seville, Granada, and Córdoba when Muslims, Jews, and Christians co-existed in southern Spain.

The Arab-Andalusian Orchestra of Tetouan has collaborated with many of flamenco´s leading singers. Founded over 50 years ago by the famed Abdessadak Chekara, the orchestra is now directed by National Moroccan Violin Prize winner and singer Jallal Chekara, Abdessadak´s nephew, who has become his musical heir and perpetuator of his work.

Official Website: http://chicago.cervantes.es