Peña says that one tends to think of flamenco solely as a music of fire and temperament without being aware that it is more than that. “It is a complete way of life, and is the expression of a deep feeling which has to do with happiness, love, sadness, death, hardship and the struggle for life.” All of these emotions came through his performance and those of the company including guitarists Paco Arriaga and Rafael Montilla, the next generation of Flamenco guitarists with whom he shared the stage.

Thunderous applause could be heard when dancers Angel Muñoz and Ramon Martinez had the spotlight, each dazzling us with their contrasting styles. Martinez overflowed with an almost comedic possessed spirit and Muñoz demonstrated his unstoppable more traditional pirouette work.

Paco Peña is a virtuoso guitarist and a master showman. Peña says that he plays to move his audience. Moved we were. The enraptured crowd showed how moved we were by a standing ovation.