Orquesta Nacional de España

Soulful exuberance - If you want to compile a list of the world's leading orchestras, you could make it easy for yourself - and copy from the biography of conductor David Afkham. It contains a staggering number of top international ensembles, which undoubtedly speaks volumes about the conductor with the virtuoso percussion technique and clear vision - and Freiburg roots. Of course, the Orquesta Nacional de España, which Afkham has shaped as Chief Conductor since 2014 and as Artistic Director since 2019, is of particular importance. At Albert, the Spaniards pay tribute to their homeland with a suite from the famous "Dreispitz" and the "Danzas Fantásticas" by de Falla's contemporary Joaquín Turina. Their movement titles "Exuberance", "Dream" and "Orgy" already reveal much about the colorful fire that the impressionistically tinged pieces ignite. Spain's notorious seducer Don Juan, whose charisma has blossomed in the European arts, will also feature in the Konzerthaus (concert hall) guest performance.

In the midst of this frenzy, Robert Schumann's deeply soulful cello concerto will also be heard. It will be performed by Pablo Ferrández, whom the LA Times described years ago as having "the magnetism of a pop idol, superb technique and breathtaking musicality that undoubtedly betray a coming star". The prediction has long since come true: Ferrández has conquered the concert stages of the world, whether as a soloist with major orchestras or alongside eminences such as Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer or Anne-Sophie Mutter. Their praise of their playing partner leaves no room for doubt: "Pablo Ferrández is really something special ... wonderful tone, very refined vibrato, a flawless left and right hand, and a true musician."

Program:
Turina, Danzas Fantásticas
Schumann, Cello Concerto in A minor op. 129
Strauss, Don Juan. Tone poem op. 20 (after Nikolaus Lenau)
De Falla, El sombrero de tres picos (The tricorn), 2. Suite

Instrumentation:
Pablo Ferrández, violoncello
David Afkham, conductor
Orquesta Nacional de España

With the kind support of the Freunde und Förderer der Albert Konzerte e.V.

EUR 99,- / 89,- / 75,- / 58,- / 47,- incl. fees

Pablo Ferrández | Photo © Igor Studio