Francisco Lara Puerto, better known as PACO LARA is an acclaimed flamenco guitarist from the cradle of flamenco, Jerez de la Frontera (Spain). 

Paco started playing guitar at the very young age of 8 and began working professionally when he was 16, recording 2 albums and touring extensively with his brother José Lara. Paco was also teacher, mentor and promoter of his other brother Santiago Lara, considered today one of the best flamenco guitarists in the world. Embodying the unmistakable and genuine Jerez style of flamenco guitar playing, Paco Lara has toured internationally alongside Maestro Paco Cepero, one of flamenco’s most legendary guitarists and composers. 

Paco has been at the vanguard of Flamenco Fusion music genre, with hugely successful bands such as El Barrio (from 2000 to 2003) and Los Delinqüentes (from 2007 to 2011). Apart from his skill as a formidable soloist, Paco is also revered for his ability as an accompanist in the specialised world of flamenco singing (Cante), recording and performing with a number of flamenco’s most significant artists including: Beni de Cádiz, El Torta, Capullo de Jerez, La Macanita, Remedios Amaya, and José de los Camarones.

Paco has toured with the main figure of “Copla Española”, Isabel Pantoja in Santiago de Chile, Festival Viña del Mar 2017 and Lima (Peru). As an accompanist to flamenco dance (Baile), Paco has participated in many European tours with famed flamenco dancer Mercedes Ruiz in her shows: “Dibujos en el Aire”, “Gestos de Mujer” and “Perspectivas”. The latter was awarded the “Critics Choice” at The Festival de Jerez in 2011 and was presented in variety of prestigious programs and festivals across Europe in 2012/2013 including:  “Festival de la Guitarra de Córdoba” Córdoba – Spain, “Festival Plaza Flamenca”, Beziers – France, “Teatro Compac Gran Vía Madrid” Madrid – Spain, “Fiesta de la Bulería de Jerez” Jerez – Spain, “Bienal de Sevilla” Seville – Spain, “Oktoberfest” Munich – Germany, “Moscow International House of Music” Moscow – Russia, “Flamenco Festival” St. Petersburg – Russia, etc. Throughout his long and fruitful career, Paco Lara has recorded over 20 albums with some of the best flamenco artists in Spain.

In 2017 Paco moved with his family to Australia. He has performed across the country with different flamenco dance companies. In July 2018 he returned to Spain to participate in The Jerez International Guitar Festival, both in concert and as a member of the Jury of the international guitar competition. In the same year, Paco performed in The Sydney Guitar Festival.

Paco’s his first solo album “The Andalusian Guitar”, was officially released in 2020 and, the program has been presented at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in Australia. His performances at The Sydney Opera House (March 2021) and at The Adelaide Guitar Festival (July 2021) have brought him the highest accolades and placed Paco’s flamenco guitar music at the very top of the Australian music scene being recognised as the most prominent flamenco guitarist living in the southern hemisphere.

At the end of 2022, Paco finished his second solo album “Duende” to the delight of his growing fanbase in Australia and overseas. He is currently on a tour with his ensemble promoting it across Australia. “Duende” Tour has been proudly sponsored by Australia Council for the Arts and has been presented at the best theatres and festivals in Australia, including The Adelaide International Guitar Festival (July/2023). “DUENDE” has been the most represented flamenco show in Australia with more than 40 shows in 2023.

Paco is currently undertaking a world tour appearing in Spain and other countries, and returns to Australia to perform in the Newcastle Music Festival, in the city he now calls home.

AT THE FESTIVAL