Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale Presents 'Spanish Nights' at Alberta Bair Theater
October 4, 2021
BSOC Media Release
Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale continues its "transformative and extraordinary" 71st season with Spanish Nights, featuring guest conductor François López-Ferrer and guitarist Rafael Guirre on Saturday, October 9 at 7:30pm at the newly renovated Alberta Bair Theater. Performing Rodrigos’ jewel for Spanish guitar, “Concierto de Aranjuez,” selections from Falla’s “Three-Cornered Hat,” and Ginastera’s “Estancia.," tickets are available at the ABT ticket office or at www.albertabairtheater.org.
Lopez-Ferrer said he is connected to the music because his late father Jesús López Cobos knew Rodrigos personally, and a family friend, renowned guitarist Pepe Romero, helped López-Ferrer gain insight into the composition.
“The colors, style, and history behind the piece shared by Pepe, who also played it several times with my father, greatly contributed to my ability to interpret the work, and accompany it with conviction.”
In an interview with the BSO, López-Ferrer said he is thrilled to share this program with the Billings audience because it brings to life the dances and sounds of a rich time in Spanish history.
“The Billings audience can expect a whirlwind of exotic music that evokes the essence of my family’s native Spain as well as the Pampas of Argentina. Ginastera also had a Catalan father, which ties into the Spanish Nights theme of the program.”
López-Ferrer is associate conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. His father served as music director of the CSO from 1986-2001, and López-Ferrer grew up listening to the CSO, hearing most of the great masterpieces for the first time in performances conducted by his father. He said he feels his father’s presence on stage, particularly when López-Ferrer is conducting a piece of music that his father frequently performed.
“This is a very tricky profession for a young conductor which requires lots of guidance from seasoned conductors with greater experience. Many of the answers to my questions are found in his music.”
This concert is supported by a grant from Acción Cultural Española.
Out of respect for the health and safety of our community and the wellbeing of our frontline health care providers, everyone must wear a mask at all times at indoor BSOC events to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
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