Grachtenfestival: Pilar Alva Martín & Stefano Arena

Spanish song art from the 20th century

This concert presents a program centered on 20th-century Spanish vocal music. The work of Manuel de Falla takes center stage, with his famous *Siete canciones populares españolas* . The program moves between Andalusian folk music, French influences, and intimate chamber music. Themes such as love, loss, and longing recur throughout, in songs full of rhythm, color, and direct emotion.

Composers from Falla's circle

In addition to Falla, his pupils and kindred spirits are also featured: Valentín Ruiz-Aznar, Juan-Alfonso García, and Joaquín Turina. All these composers share a musical language rooted in Andalusian culture, with its own blend of the dramatic, the lyrical, and the folk. This provides a broad overview of Spanish music from that period.

A duo with international experience

Soprano Pilar Alva Martín and pianist Stefano Arena have formed a duo since 2019. They specialize in 20th-century Spanish vocal repertoire and have performed at festivals in Granada, Geneva, and Lausanne. Their project on forgotten Spanish songs won first prize at the Lavaux Classic Competition in 2021.

Are you interested in this concert?

Use the ticket link to reserve tickets for this concert during the Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam.