PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Classic masterpieces take on a fiery, rhythmic new dimension when Chris Burton Jácome and Lena Jácome join musicians from the Arizona Philharmonic for “Tierra Flamenca: Guitar, Dance, and Classical Roots” on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 3 p.m. at the Ruth Street Theater in Prescott.
The performance marks a dynamic cross-cultural collaboration, bridging traditional Spanish flamenco with classical string and woodwind repertoire.
“Ever since Chris and I met, we have been collaborating on ways to mix classical and flamenco together, he bringing his emotive gestures and surprises, Lena her powerful and elegant dancing,” said Henry Flurry, Arizona Philharmonic artistic director.
The artistic exchange flows both ways throughout the afternoon. In one featured highlight, dancer Lena Jácome performs alongside cellist Wesley Skinner during Johann Sebastian Bach’s iconic Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1.
“For this piece, the cello is my duet partner,” said Lena Jácome. “I rely on the phrasing of the cello and my training in both flamenco and modern dance to develop a visual representation of one of classical music’s most iconic themes.”
The program reshapes well-known classical staples through flamenco guitar and ensemble improvisation, including Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat, and Massenet’s “Méditation” from Thaïs with violinist Luke Hill. Flutist Jeannette Hirasawa Moore joins the ensemble for 16th-century composer Diego Ortiz’s “Recercadas sobre tenores italianos,” echoing centuries-old traditions of bass improvisation.
In addition to classic adaptations, Chris Jácome brings a suite of original compositions representing diverse regional forms from Cuba, Cádiz, Málaga, and Seville, alongside solo guitar work.
“Integrating classical instrumentation into the textures of flamenco is thrilling! The AZ Phil musicians are so amazing and always up for a new challenge,” said Chris Burton Jácome. “For this concert, I’m excited to explore how the flamenco guitar can bring a new sonic perspective to some traditionally classical music works.”
Tickets start at $28, with $10 tickets for youth 21 and under and $15 for K-12 teachers with ID. Art4All pay-what-you-can tickets are also available. A $1 fee is added per order, not per ticket. Information and tickets are at AZPhil.org or by calling 855-321-6724. The concert is at Ruth Street Theater, 1050 Ruth St. on the Prescott High School grounds, with a pre-concert talk at 2 p.m.
Chris and Lena Jácome will also lead a free public OLLI class at Yavapai College on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.: Community Chats with AZ Phil: Flamenco Rhythms and Dances. Advance registration through OLLI is required.
“Tierra Flamenca” is the second concert of Arizona Philharmonic’s ninth season, “Echoes of the Masters: Old Roads, New Directions.”
About Jácome Flamenco
Chris Burton Jácome is the founder and artistic director of Jácome Flamenco. He has been a guest artist at the La Guitarra California Festival alongside classical guitarists Pepe Romero, Ana Vidovic and Roland Dyens, has presented his own productions at Jazz at Lincoln Center and New York City Center, and writes orchestral music that Arizona Philharmonic has performed.
Lena Jácome is a dancer, choreographer and instructor. She holds a B.F.A. in dance performance from the New World School of the Arts in Miami and an M.F.A. in choreography and performance from Arizona State University, and her choreography “Undone” was a semi-finalist this year at the Ciutat Batalla 2026 competition in Barcelona.
More at JacomeFlamenco.com.
About Arizona Philharmonic
Founded in 2018, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is Prescott’s only professional orchestra focused on classical music, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. In its ninth season in 2026-27, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott-area performing arts scene. Recognized by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.
