You might be forgiven for thinking the primary instrument for flamenco is guitar. David Pena Dorantes, however, creates the music with a piano.
Dorantes Piano Solo Conert will be held in Tokyo's Sumida Ward on Jan. 15. Music lovers will get the chance to enjoy Dorantes' unique take on the music of Spain's Andalusian region, according to event organizers.
The pianist has created his own style of flamenco by incorporating elements of classical, jazz, Brazilian and Celtic music.
Dorantes was born in Seville, Spain, in 1969 to a legendary flamenco family. His family members include La Perrata and El Lebrijano, both famous singers in the genre.
Since childhood, Dorantes learned how to play guitar from his father, Pedro Pena. But the boy switched over to piano when he was 10 years old and received lessons at Seville's Superior Royal Music Conservatory.
In 1991, Dorantes made his debut as a pianist at Seville's Royal Alcazar palace in Seville with the King of Spain in attendance.
In 1998, Dorantes released his first album "Orobroy" and received a lot of praise. He continued his streak with second album, "Sur," which won three awards in Seville's Bienal de Flamenco in 2003.
In 2009 he got the National Award and the Award for Young Creators from Spain's Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Dorantes Piano Solo Concert at Sumida Triphony Hall in Tokyo starts at 7 p.m. on Jan. 15 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Sumida Triphony Hall is a five-minute-walk from the North Exit of Kinshicho Station on the JR Sobu line. Tickets cost ¥3,000. For more information, call the Triphony Ticket Center at (03) 5608-1212.