Manila, Jan 29, 2024 – Award-winning flutist and bansuri player Lara Wong and Melón Jimenez performed their dynamic and elegant take on fusing flamenco and jazz as a powerhouse duo on their first trip to the Philippines at the RCBC Plaza in Manila, sponsored by Instituto Cervantes and La Embajada De España en Filipinas. 

During their one-night-only performance, the duo performed a program of Spanish classics, including Bésame Mucho, Danza Del Desierto, Tangos Guijaras, and more. Since their first meeting in 2018, Wong and Jimenez have managed to combine their specialties into a unique listening experience, calling their music ‘ Confluencias,’ a blend of rhythm and melodies of jazz marked by flamenco.

Lara Wong’s interest in Flamenco began after completing her classical music and jazz degree at McGill University in Canada. During a trip to Spain, she found herself in Andalusia, a region in the south that is famously known as the Costa del Sol. Various musical folklore traditions exist in the area, such as Flamenco, which traces its origins to the Gitanos of the Romani subculture and greatly influenced its development. However, its style is uniquely Andalusian, and since its rise to global recognition, flamenco artists have historically included Spaniards of both gitano and non-gitano heritage.

Over the years, Wong has become a respected figure in the flamenco scene, best known for playing flamenco music on the Indian bansuri flute. She also won the “Filon” first award for being the best flamenco instrumentalist of the Festival Cante de las Minas, making her the first foreigner to win in any category of the festival’s 60-year history. 

Melón Jimenez’s start in the industry came from being born into a musically inclined family that encouraged him to explore and learn about his roots as an Andalusian gypsy.  His use of the flamenco guitar paved the way for innovative collaborations with artists such as Enrique Morente, Richard Bona, Nina Pastori, and Jorge Pardo. 

Together, Wong and Jimenez’s instant connection and understanding of each other’s capabilities as artists began to add another dimension to their partnership with their newfound project, Confluencias. In a surprising twist, their respective musical stylings flow incredibly together, wildly since they veer away from traditional flamenco and jazz. Since then, the pair have performed transformative music across Europe, Northern America, and Southeast Asia. 

For more on Lara Wong
Listen to her music on Spotify here
Instagram: @larawong.music

For more on Melón Jimenez
Listen to his music on Spotify here
Instagram: @melon_jimenez