New postcards of the Old Europe

In 2017 and at the age of 14, María Dueñas won the first of many international competitions. Since then, her fame has only escalated. Among the works performed when she won the Yehudi Menuhin Competition at 18, was the first movement of the Symphonie Espagnole by Édouard Lalo. This was one of those pieces where the 19th century Frenchman imagined a postcard of an improbable Spain as a postcard: animated, coloristic, danceable and with a tremendously demanding soloist part. The violinist (and composer) from Granada once again displayed her astonishing technique and enormous artistry.

On this occasion, Maria Dueñas will be accompanied by the most lively and versatile of ensembles, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, under Sir Antonio Pappano. As British as he is Italian, Pappano is one of the acclaimed conductors of our day and is equally at home in the orchestra pit for operas or on stage with symphonic repertory. This is a conductor capable of updating our perception of the great classics.

In the second half of the Maestranza concert, we will hear another collection of postcards: the first set of the Slavonic Dances by Dvořák. Landscapes and memories of another time, based on rhythm, colour and the right dose of gentle nostalgia…of an idyllic Europe about say farewell. Photographs from the past which in the right hands sound new.