Antonio Lizana Quintet

Antonio Lizana Quintet
– flamenco jazz celebration at the anniversary closing concert in Tapiola

Andalusian saxophonist, flamenco singer and composer Antonio Lizana is one of the most prominent international figures of contemporary flamenco jazz. His music brings together the deep roots of flamenco, the freedom of modern jazz and a strong, timely message. Lizana’s concerts have been described as a breathtaking journey from tradition to the present day — a journey where passion, virtuosity and open expression go hand in hand.

Born in San Fernando, in the province of Cádiz, Antonio Lizana grew up in one of the most important centres of flamenco. His close connection to local flamenco traditions has shaped his artistic voice, yet throughout his career he has boldly taken this heritage into new directions. In Lizana’s work, the roles of jazz saxophonist, flamenco singer and composer merge into a unique whole that resonates across genre boundaries.

The Antonio Lizana Quintet has performed in more than 30 countries and at numerous major festivals, including Womex, the Flamenco Biennale, and flamenco festivals in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Lizana is one of the few Spanish artists invited to perform in NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. His collaborators include Arturo O’Farrill, Alejandro Sanz, Snarky Puppy, Marcus Miller and Chano Domínguez — with the first two projects also receiving Grammy Awards.

Pianist and keyboardist David Sancho is one of the most dynamic figures in the Spanish jazz scene. He moves effortlessly between traditional pianism and modern electronic soundscapes. In Sancho’s playing, modern jazz, flamenco and Iberian musical traditions blend naturally, and his role in Lizana’s quintet is essential both harmonically and rhythmically. In addition, Sancho contributes backing vocals, which form an integral part of the ensemble’s distinctive sound.

In the music of the Antonio Lizana Quintet, jazz, flamenco, dance and vocals are seamlessly intertwined. Flamenco dancer El Mawi brings a strong physical and visual dimension to the stage, turning the concert into a truly immersive experience — music, movement and emotion in the same moment.

This concert brings the April Jazz 40th anniversary programme at Espoo Cultural Centre to a powerful and passionate close. It is a celebration where tradition lives, renews itself and bursts into flame.

Antonio Lizana, vocals, saxophone (ES)
Daniel García, piano, keyboards (ES)
Arin Keshishi, electric bass (AM)
Shayan Fathi, drums (IR)
El Mawi, dance, backing vocals (ES)

Photo: Ana Solinis

7:30 pm doors
8:00 pm Antonio Lizana Quintet
approx. 9:30 pm concert ends

Tickets €36 / €31 + order fee (from €1.50 + 0.65% of order), Lippu.fi
Duration approx. 1h 30min, no intermission.

Preorder food and drinks from Café Molli using the online preorder form, by phone +358 41 3172025 or email myynti@cafemolli.fi.

Louhi Hall, Espoo Cultural Centre
Kulttuuriaukio 2, 02100 Espoo (Google Maps / HSL Journey Planner)