Aya Kitaoji

Flamenco Dance / Cajón / Vocals

Dedicated to a life of performance from age 5, Aya was trained in classical, contemporary and folkloric dance before travelling to the heart of flamenco, Seville, Spain at 14. Her comprehensive training includes studying with renowned maestros of Madrid, Jerez de la Frontera and Seville.

Since returning to Melbourne in 2011, she established “SENES Flamenco” to encourage the growth of flamenco in Australia.

Over 15 years she has performed across the country as soloist, choreographer, percussionist and vocalist. She shares her knowledge, experience and creative works through performances, workshops and teaching regular lessons at “Centro de Flamenco Melbourne”.

Aya continues to travel to Spain regularly for professional development, performance and recording projects.

Alejandro Flórez

Flamenco Guitar

Alejandro was born in Melbourne of Latin American & Mediterranean heritage. His original Spanish guitar compositions are heavily influenced by his extensive experience in traditional Flamenco as well as in his love for Latin Jazz.

As a songwriter and flamenco guitarist, Alejandro collaborates with Australian and international artists across many genres such as Jazz, Classical and also Latin American folk music. 

After extensive travels playing and touring through Asia, Europe, Latin America and Australia, in 2010 he launched his project “Solquemia Spanish Guitar”.

He has also released two independent albums of his original compositions; "Solquemia" & "Limonera" has since sold thousands of copies to audiences in Australia, Europe, Asia and the Americas. 

Nathan Slater

Flamenco & Latin Jazz Guitar

Australian born Melbourne-based guitarist and composer Nathan Slater has has emerged as one of the most exciting and original musical voices in the country. His virtuosity and unique approach to the traditions of Spanish, Argentinian and Brazilian music brings passion and grace to all of his projects including Flamenco, Tango and Jazz.

He has performed & recorded with La Rumba, Ross James Irwin, and Australian Tango Champion dancers Fabio Robles and Ana Andre.

Nathan’s musical upbringing has provided him with solid foundations in the traditions of Jazz, Flamenco, Tango, and the music of Brazil. His playing and compositional approach reflects these influences, creating music that is rich, elegant and deeply moving.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Andre Octavio

Multi Instrumentalist (Guitar, Andean Flutes, Charango, Bass, Vocals)

Andre started his musical career at the age of fifteen, travelling and performing with some of Australia’s best Andean/South American artists. He is particularly well regarded for his world-class Quena flute playing, which is second to none in the country.

A versatile and passionate multi-instrumentalist, Andre blends the rhythms of Spanish guitar with the evocative melodies of traditional Andean wind instruments and fresh approach to the Charango.

With extensive experience in diverse genres including Andean, Latin American, Spanish & Italian music, Andre is one of Australia’s finest and well respected musicians, with his passions extending to sound engineering, AV production, acting and film making.

Currently Andre continues his Andean music band with his own project, MasiKuna.

Franshesco Virán

Vocals / Guitar / Percussion

Inimitable front man, Franshesco “Keko” Viran was born in Arica, Chile and lived in Bolivia and Equador before migrating to Melbourne in 1986, where his voice has been a fixture of the Latin music scene for over 20 years.

As a vocalist and songwriter, Keko blends the influence of South American singers like Victor Jara with that of classic Cuban soneros like Ibrahim Ferrer into his own distinct style, sometimes passionate and political, sometimes carefree and festive.

Keko’s songwriting is the core of many of Melbourne’s best latin bands, including Kekoson Cuban Sounds and has featured as special guest vocalist for SENES Flamenco.