GEORGE TOWN, Aug 19 ― Fast paced and thrilling, the Spanish flamenco accompanied by the soulful notes of Andalusian music, Chekara, will showcase the rich musical history of Spain and Morocco in a spectacular performance at George Town Festival tonight.

The show, titled "tan cerca, tan lejos" (So near, so far), is the Chekara Andalusian Orchestra's second project and tonight's performance is its debut in Southeast Asia.

"It’s called ‘So near, so far’ because we (Spain and Morocco) are very close in distance, from shore to shore.

"We are also close in terms of rhythms and melodies – Andalusi music was born in Granada and from there, passed to Morocco," said Jallal Chekara who heads the project.

The one-hour-and-15-minute performance is by an ensemble of four comprising Jallal as the Arab vocalist and violinist, Mari Ángeles Gabaldón as the dancer, Rosa de Algeciras as the singer and José Manuel Tudela on guitar.

Jallal said the show represents the difference in languages and culture between Spain and Morocco.

On Andalusian music, known as al-ala, he said the music was similar to flamenco music because of the time ancient Arabs spent in Andalusia.

"The melodies and rhythms in flamenco and in Andalusi music are alike. We find rhythms of flamenco in al-ala and rhythms of al-ala in flamenco," he said.

The show is produced with Estrella Morente and pays homage to the famous flamenco figure Enrique Morente.

The orchestra from Tétouan, Morocco has performed at 250 events and festivals around the world.

"After our performance here, we will be performing in Kuala Lumpur on August 22 and Jakarta on August 23," he said.

Chekara is one of the performances lined up for during GTF this month.

Find out more about GTF events at georgetownfestival.com.