International artists in the Embassy Festival spotlight

With the arrival of Paco Rentería, the second edition of The Hague’s Embassy Festival is experiencing an outright first. Never before has the legendary Mexican flamenco virtuoso set foot on Dutch soil, making this a unique event for those who love the flamenco and related musical genres. Rentería is partly responsible for the soundtracks belonging to films such as The Legend of Zorro and Desperado, has shared the stage with stars including Luciano Pavarotti and Carlos Santana, but is above all known for his virtuoso guitar skills.

Besides Paco Rentería, a host of international artists will be making an appearance at the (free entry) festival on Saturday, 6 September on the city’s Lange Voorhout, an intimate cultural event offering a day of music, art, culinary delights, dance and children’s activities.

When: Saturday 6 September 2014, 12:00 – 20:00.

Where: Lange Voorhout, The Hague.

Registration: This event is free to attend.

The musical programme offers festival goers a broad spectrum of genres spanning from pop to classical, spread out over two podiums. Recently joining the contemporary stage is Denmark-born Alex Vargas, who debuted last year in the Netherlands at the prestigious Songbird Festival. Vargas is a true singer-songwriter whose soulful, passionate music and voice evokes the sounds of greats such as Steve Winwood and Robert Palmer.

King Dalton (BE) is of an entirely different order. This immensely talented band, with former members which include the likes of Zita Swoon, plays groovy, catchy, somewhat elusive folk blues with distinct references to country. Also playing the contemporary stage are LuzazuL (PT / NL), NO blues (NL) and the aforementioned Paco Rentería (MX).

Highlighting the classical podium is star soprano Gudrun Sidonie Otto (D), hailed as one of the most exciting new singers of her generation. After appearances at leading European opera stages she will be performing the musical trip Around the World alongside pianist Stefan Haselhoff at the Embassy Festival.

A slightly firmer sound will be charged by the Cannonball String Band ft. Mike Bailey (GB / IE / US). Bailey is a world-class violinist and along with the other Cannonball men, he delivers a steaming set of improvisations on Irish and Scottish melodies, as well as bluegrass numbers.

Audiences can also enjoy divergent and awe inspiring performances by flautist Felicia vanden End (NL), accordionist Marieke Grotenhuis (NL), guitarist and composer Josué Amador (MX), award-winning flautist Elisabeth Champollion (D), chamber orchestra Ardesko (AU/NL/FI/CZ), spoken word artist Anja Sicking (NL) and singer-songwriter Veerle Winkelmolen (NL).

More information

The Embassy Festival kicks off on Saturday, 6 September at 12:00 with a musical tour performed on two outdoor stages. The Creative Arena will accommodate the cultural expressions of many different countries such as Irish dancing performed by Chairde Kilkenny School of Irish Dance, and Desi Bhangra, a lively form of music and dance from the Punjab region. At the same time, the International Market will offer the best and most typical international cuisine and beverages. At the Kids Compound the youngest of visitors can train their sense of rhythm by participating in a Brazilian Capoeira workshop, or they can use their imagination and creativity to create a new world.

With the presence of the many embassies, NGOs and multinationals, the city of The Hague enjoys continuous interaction with the rest of the world, giving itself every right to call itself an international city. The second edition of the Embassy Festival presents visitors with a beautiful compilation of international culture that can be seen, heard, tasted and experienced.

The Embassy Festival is organised by PROOOST, the driving force behind the successful LIFE I LIVE Festival in The Hague.

For more information, visit www.embassyfestival.com. 

Contributed by PROOOST