Iberian Odyssey Programming

SPOTLIGHT WINERY
Herdade do Rocim
Portugal

Embark on a evening of discovery as we kick off with canapés and wines from Herdade do Rocim.

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Setting the stage for a memorable evening journeying through the flavours of the Iberian Peninsula, join us on the patio to savor a selection of distinct and expertly crafted Rocim wines.

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GUIDED WINE TASTING
Rioja Vega Wine
Rioja, Spain

Indulge your senses in a guided wine tasting featuring the exceptional wine of Rioja Vega, renowned for their outstanding quality and exceptional value.

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Gonzalo Lainez, the principal representative of Rioja Vega wines will expertly guide you through each sip, sharing insights into the vineyards and cellars of this esteemed Spanish region. Discover a selection of exceptional wines, many which have earned prestigious 90+ ratings while offering unbeatable value.

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to discover a new favourite, this guided tasting experience will showcase the excellence of Rioja Vega wines and leave you with an unforgettable appreciation for their exceptional craftsmanship.

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LIVE MUSIC
Spanish Flamenco
Juan Dino Toledo & Friends

Prepare to be enchanted by the soul-stirring melodies of Juan Dino Toledo, a virtuoso guitarist specializing in flamenco and Spanish music.

In a mesmerizing quartet performance, Juan joins forces with talented musicians, weaving together the captivating sounds of guitar, violin, bass, and cajon/percussion, to bring the magic of flamenco to life.

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Flamenco guitar, with its rich history and captivating allure, traces its roots back to the 18th century. It has since become the soulful heartbeat of flamenco music, an art form that encapsulates the passion, pain, and raw emotion of the Spanish Romani community. Today, the art of flamenco guitar continues to captivate audiences worldwide, serving as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of this cherished Spanish musical tradition.

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LIVE MUSIC
Portuguese Fado Guitarist
Simon Arruda

Discover the soulful world of Fado music with the mesmerizing talent of Simon Arruda, an exceptional Fado guitarist.

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Simon's mastery of the guitar strings and profound understanding of Fado's melancholic essence will leave you captivated and moved. With each strum of his guitar, he evokes the deep emotions and haunting melodies that define this iconic Portuguese genre.

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Fado is a traditional genre of music that originated in Portugal in the early 19th century. It is typically characterized by melancholic and nostalgic themes, and is often associated with the saudade, a Portuguese word that describes a feeling of longing or nostalgia for something that is absent or lost. 

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LITERARY ARTIST

Poet & Novelist
Irene Marques

Renowned poet, novelist and scholar, Irene Marques takes the stage, sharing her captivating words during the evening.

With her eloquence and poetic prowess, Irene will transport you to new realms of imagination and introspection. Drawing from her extensive academic background, which includes teaching at prestigious institutions such as the University of Toronto, OCAD, and York University, Irene's readings delve into themes of personal and collective identity, mystical experiences, social and political realities, and the complexities of culture and history.

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Irene Marques is a bilingual writer (writing in English and Portuguese) and Lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in the English Department where she teaches literature and creative writing.

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VISUAL ARTIST

Video
Manuel Saiz

Acclaimed artist, filmmaker, and writer, Manuel Saiz's thought-provoking piece, "Subtitles: to Know without Learning," will be on display.

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Through his art, Saiz delves deep into the intricacies of human perception and knowledge, challenging traditional modes of learning and understanding. "Subtitles: to Know without Learning" promises to be a captivating exploration of language, communication, and the way we absorb information in the modern world. With his innovative approach and creative brilliance, Saiz invites us to question the very essence of knowledge and invites us into a world of profound reflection and discovery.

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CUISINE
Chef Prepared

Paula Zavala

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant culinary traditions of the Iberian Peninsula, Chef Paula Zavala has specially crafted a menu of Iberian inspired tapas for the evening.

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Chef Paula's dishes showcase the finest ingredients, expertly prepared and presented with artistic flair. From savory bites to tantalizing small plates, her culinary expertise will transport you to the sun-kissed landscapes of Spain and Portugal, evoking the essence of their rich gastronomic heritage.

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HOST
Program Director

Josh Heuman

As the evenings curator and master of ceremonies, Josh will guide guests through the evening.

Be ready to immerse yourself in a truly remarkable experience.

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