Irma La Paloma - Cante

 

IRMA LA PALOMA is a flamenco artist, singer, and choreographer.  She is Co-Founder/Artistic Director of Houston’s Premier Flamenco Performance Company, Solero Flamenco (2009).  Irma performs and collaborates with local and international artists delivering Cante (Flamenco song) with sincerity and passion.  She is a strong ambassador of flamenco arts and education in the City of Houston.

 

Borne of Spanish descent in Havana, Cuba, she began her flamenco training with Spain’s Olga Bustamante at Concepción Arenal and with María Asela Bermúdez at Escuela de Baile Monterroso y Antas de Ulla.  She performed Flamenco and Spanish Regional Dances in Havana’s Centro Gallego and Teatro García Lorca.  Her family later established residence in Madrid where she was further embraced by her heritage.  Her love of poetry and lyrics led her to concentrated study of cante and dance accompaniment.

 

Recognized for her artistry and work ethic, La Paloma is a sought after collaborator.  Irma served as Choreographer for Houston Grand Opera’s digital production, "Suite Española - Explorando Iberia” (2021).  She performed and recorded her original work, ”El Corazón Manda” in Kathak-Flamenco - A Celebration of Cultures (2019).  In 2017, she performed selections from Manuel de Falla’s “El Amor Brujo” with the Helena Symphony in Montana, Allan R. Scott, Conductor.  She also composed and recorded vocals in Cafe Khytaro’s “Distancia" (2008).  Irma keeps a busy performing and teaching schedule, and enjoys composing and developing new works.

 

 

Drawing on her professional experience and Bachelor’s Degree in International Finance and Marketing, Irma currently serves as Community Coordinator and Co-Director of the “2011 Houston Spanish and Flamenco Festival.”  She is working to preserve flamenco through performance and education in collaboration with San Jacinto College and the Consulate General of Spain.