The penultimate subscription concert of the 2024/25 season, held at the Auditorium Internacional, created a phenomenal atmosphere, transporting the audience to the so-called “New World of the Americas.” Thanks to the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, magnificently led by guest conductor Daniel Abad, we had the opportunity to savor music that has been held in high regard around the world for many years. Maestro Daniel Abad is one of the conductors with extremely versatile experience, who fascinates and captivates all types of audiences. He has successfully conducted prestigious orchestras in Spain and Europe, and currently serves as chief conductor of the Valencia Community Chamber Orchestra.
Under the baton of the highly energetic Maestro Daniel Abad, the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra opened the concert with a spirited performance of “Conga del Fuego Nuevo” and “Danzón No. 2,” - two works by Arturo Marquez (*1950), a Mexican composer who used folklore in classical music. Both “Conga” and “Danzón” are cheerful, lively and colorful pieces, reflecting the popular dance style in Mexico. The pieces are delightful and captivating, showcasing the composer's mastery of instrumentation and ingenious use of contrasts. Maestro Abad was able to present every detail of the pieces, engaging the orchestra in precise and passionate performance, and allowing the numerous instrumentalists to shine. These were presentations full of emotion, vigor and appropriate temperament.
José Pablo Moncayo's (1912-1958) “Huapango,” an energetic mosaic of Mexican dances and melodies, was interpreted in a similar way. The piece premiered in 1941 and has been immensely popular ever since. It is considered Mexico's second anthem and the most famous Mexican symphonic poem in the world. “Huapango” portrays the spirit of joy and passion of the Mexican people, and that is exactly how our Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Abad, performed the piece for the audience in Torrevieja.
A different kind of temperament characterizes the works of Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992), bandoneon virtuoso and famous composer of the Argentine new tango, author of music intended mainly for listening and contemplation. The tango “Oblivion” with a beautifully performed violin solo by Stanislav Tkach, or “Libertango” evoke characteristic notes of melancholy, sadness and nostalgia not always on the basis of an obsessive rhythmic foundation. The performers delighted with sentimental articulation of beautiful melodic lines and captivating rhythm.
The second part of the concert was dedicated to Leonard Bernstein (1818-1990) and his two works, which often appear in concert programs. Although the operetta “Candide” was not a deserved success, the overture became a very popular piece. Conducted with energy, vigor and mastery by Daniel Abad, the OST performed the work with great care and respect for rhythmic details and dynamic contrasts.
The concert concluded with a superb performance of Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story,” a work that transported us to mid-20th century New York City, where jazz vibes and the sounds of string and percussion instruments evoke North American atmospheres, while wind instruments reflect Latin American atmospheres. If you add to this combination a fantastically dynamic interpretation of the orchestra, you get a work full of emotions, colors, rhythms and dynamics. It was a very exciting performance, quite challenging for the musicians, who responded to Maestro Daniel Abad's baton with extraordinary enthusiasm and empathy. In fact, it is difficult to point out which point of the program particularly dominated this wonderful concert, full of incredible energy and beautiful, surprising effects. An amazing chemistry was created between the conductor and the musicians, which translated into a wealth of emotions, topped by attractive encores: “Tico Tico” y “Mambo”, and a standing ovation from the audience. Daniel Abad gave the orchestra a huge dose of energy, great sensitivity, inspiration and creativity, offering performances that will truly linger long in the memory of the audience present at the concert.
