Flamenco Quartet Project (2014)
Music: Marija Temo

Clinard Dance is pioneering a unique style of flamenco dance by abandoning the representational ties to the form and relying heavily on the rhythms, sense of improvisation, and unique isolations in the flamenco body, in a quest for a free, spontaneous body; one which is able to interact and dialogue with other compositional forces; namely, music, composers, visual artists, and text.

To this end in 2014, Artistic Director Wendy Clinard reached out to musicians from the broad spectrum of the Chicago music world in order to explore new exponents of flamenco resulting in the Flamenco Quartet Project. The group is deeply committed to creating original, engaging performances. Led by an open minded spirit the ensemble seeks to engage with contemporary culture through vibrant performances that honor traditional flamenco and their shared passion for music and dance discovery.

The quartet project roster boasts remarkably diverse talents, including composers, arrangers, improvisers and choreographers who bring a range of cultural influences to the group, from Gypsy jazz to klezmer to flamenco and classical Arabic and Spanish. The unique camaraderie within the group retains the intimacy and spontaneity unique to small ensemble work.

The group consists of nationally and internationally renowned artists, including dancer Wendy Clinard, violinist Steve Gibons, vocalist/guitarist Marija Temo, and bassist Alex Wing.