(entrevista) Orchestra vet likes challenge of flamenco

By Andrew Adler.The Courier-Journal

Sidney King

Job: Founding member of the al Sur flamenco quartet; retired in October after 24 years as a Louisville Orchestra double bassist to teach at the University of Louisville School of Music.Age: 47.

Background: Grew up in Beaumont, Texas; while studying at the University of Houston, got his Louisville Orchestra job and ended up earning his degree from Indiana University -- not in music, but in geography (with a minor in Spanish).

Previous professional orchestral experience: Texas Opera Theater, Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera.

Next big gig: A Jan. 4 Louisville Orchestra NightLites concert at the Brown Theatre, where the orchestra will premiere symphonic arrangements of several original al Sur pieces.

Q: Did it take much self-convincing to leave the Louisville Orchestra after nearly 25 years there?

A: I will always feel that the symphonic repertory is one of the grandest achievements of western civilization. I love that music. However, I've done it for quite some time, and I was in a wonderful position in that doors became open for me to step into some different roles. … I've co-founded a flamenco ensemble with some of the most talented people I've ever had the privilege to work with (guitarist Gareth Jones, percussionist Brian Kushmaul and singer/dancer Graciela Perrone).

(leer +) [vía courier-journal]

tags: flamenco, baile, cante, flamenca