The first show of this year’s IGF guitar summit commenced in Hall Two of Kings Place London – an intimate, dark room with a small stage at its front. On it, two empty black chairs sat bathed in a golden spotlight. The seating around the room was nearly full, and yet, when the house lights dimmed, the audience seemed to fade away and each listener was absorbed in the quiet spell of the moment. The room hushed, eager for the music ahead.
The audience’s ears were met with 90 minutes of near-uninterrupted melody. These minutes were shared by the Pedro Navarro duo and Manuel Alonso, the supporting act. Alonso, trained in Catalonia, graced the stage first. He walked swiftly on and, without a word, began his first piece. Alonso’s performance was deeply moving, each strum carrying a profound emotional depth. This first half of the show served as a fitting introduction not only to the rest of the evening, but to modern flamenco itself. Each of Alonso’s compositions was preceded by a short explanation of the palo, or style, he was about to play. Alonso’s performance was more than an opening act – it offered a window into the rich language of modern flamenco. It left all members of the audience, both newcomers and flamenco experts alike, with an understanding that would make the evening’s musical journey all the more rewarding.
The second half of the show featured duo: Toni Porcar and Pedro Navarro, whose music has taken him across five continents. The musicians took the stage with a quiet confidence, allowing a soft tension to settle over the room. Their performance was a magnetic demonstration of the intricate rhythms of modern flamenco – a feast for the ears. Around the room, hands clapped and fingers tapped softly against laps. It was impossible not to be moved by the music. Navarro’s playing was fast and fluent, his fingers moving athletically across the guitar strings – a spectacle of skill. With neither any sheet music nor more than a few quiet words exchanged between the duo, the entire performance was held together through smiles and concentrated eye contact. Casual, effortless. The evening came to a close with a tribute to the famous Paco de Lucía, a towering figure in the modern flamenco style. The audience was left well-fed, having been introduced and then well-acquainted with the enchanting art of flamenco guitar.
The IGF guitar summit returns every year with concerts, workshops and events featuring some of the world’s greatest guitarists. The first show was more than just an enjoyable evening of music. For those attending with almost no background knowledge of modern flamenco – or any classical guitar, for that matter – the evening offered an unexpected journey from curiosity to appreciation. It transformed what might have once felt unfamiliar into something accessible, rich and vibrant. Guitars are fascinating instruments, capable of creating a phenomenal range of sounds and emotions. The IGF guitar summit seems like the perfect place for music-lovers to explore the many traditions and styles that make the instrument so extraordinary.
Review by Aishani Chatterjee
Featured Image – Toni Porcar and Pedro Navarro, photography credit SL Chai
For more information on the IGF Guitar Summit visit https://igf.org.uk/new/gs-26-2/
Kings Place – The Cultural Pulse of King’s Cross
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