The city of Klaipėda witnessed an unprecedented cultural moment as Lithuania hosted its First International Flamenco Festival “¡Hola, Klaipėda!” on November 15–16, 2025, as part of the broader Spanish Culture Days. The highlight of the festival was the spectacular flamenco concert-show “Origen”, presented on November 16 at the Klaipėda Drama Theatre.
At the heart of this production stood its creator, director, and lead instrumentalist: the extraordinary flutist and flamenco composer Oscar de Manuel.
Oscar de Manuel: A Flamenco Innovator of Global Standing
Oscar de Manuel is internationally recognized as one of flamenco’s most innovative instrumentalists, bringing the flute into a genre traditionally dominated by voice, guitar, and dance. His artistry blends deep respect for flamenco’s roots with modern compositional vision, creating a sound world that is at once ancient, contemporary, and emotionally electrifying.
Oscar de Manuel has earned international recognition for his contributions to flamenco and contemporary music. He is a two-time Global Music Awards honoree (2021 and 2022), and his work has been associated with projects presented in the context of major international music awards, including the Grammy Awards, underscoring the artistic impact and visibility of his music on the global stage.
He is also the founder of two pioneering ensembles:
- OFF Valencia — credited as the world’s first flamenco-flute orchestra.
- La Orquesta Flamenca de Linares — an ambitious flamenco orchestra based in Linares, Spain, of which de Manuel serves as artistic director.
Despite his extensive international career, this festival marked Oscar de Manuel’s first-ever performance in Lithuania, making his appearance a special cultural milestone.
“Origen”: A Unique Meeting of Flamenco Traditions
The concert-show “Origen” was conceived by de Manuel as a deeply personal artistic statement. According to him, the performance represents:
More stories“A unique meeting point between dance, song, and guitar — an experience that cannot be repeated. ‘Origen’ speaks about the birth of flamenco, its roots, and the energy that lives in the present moment.”
Through his expressive flute playing, de Manuel created a lyrical thread that united the emotional landscape of flamenco with the rhythmic intensity and theatrical brilliance of the ensemble on stage.
An Exceptional Cast of Spanish Flamenco Artists
Joining Oscar de Manuel were several celebrated flamenco performers from Spain, creating an evening of musical and choreographic richness:
- Adrián Benítez – Vocals
- Juan de Pilar – Flamenco Guitar
- Lolo Planton – Percussion
- Verónica Pulido – Flamenco Dance
- Aloma de Balma – Flamenco Dance
- Elena Tello Dobilaitė – Flamenco Dance
Together, they crafted an immersive experience that enchanted the Lithuanian audience and introduced many listeners to the powerful artistic traditions of Andalusia.
A Cultural Triumph for Klaipėda
“¡Hola, Klaipėda!” and its flamenco festival showcased the city’s growing commitment to international cultural collaboration. Supported by:
- The Municipality of Klaipėda City
- The Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Lithuania
- The Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Spain in Klaipėda
- A special touch to the evening was provided by Bodega Ladrón de Lunas, whose wine accompanied the celebration.
the event succeeded in bringing world-class flamenco to Lithuania’s Baltic coast.
Oscar de Manuel’s participation, in particular, elevated the festival to a truly global artistic level, marking a historic moment for both local audiences and the broader flamenco community.
Reflecting on the experience, Oscar de Manuel shared a heartfelt message about his debut in Lithuania:
“Celebrating International Flamenco Day at the First International Flamenco Festival of Klaipėda… A true whirlwind of feelings, musicality, and pure emotion, where the audience couldn’t help but applaud and enjoy the premiere of Tablao Flamenco ORIGEN.”
— Oscar de Manuel
He also extended warm thanks to Vilma Dobilaitė, Natalija Sadovskaja, and the entire cultural team in Klaipėda for their dedication in bringing this production to life.
