Netherlands Chamber Orchestra: Falla and Rodrigo

Rodrigo's tribute to Aranjuez

The blind Spanish composer Rodrigo wrote his Concierto de Aranjuez in 1939, inspired by the beauty of the vast Baroque gardens of the Royal Palace in Aranjuez, the historic summer residence of the Spanish royal family. According to the composer, in this music one can hear 'the scent of magnolias, the singing of birds, and the cheerful splashing of fountains'. Rodrigo's Concierto is perhaps the most famous guitar concerto ever written, partly thanks to the moving slow movement that regularly resonates in films and documentaries.

Falla inspired by flamenco

When the First World War began, the Spaniard Manuel de Falla, who was living in Paris at the time, fled back to his native country. There he began work on his ballet El Amor Brujo . He wrote it commissioned by the artist Pastora Imperio and drew inspiration in part from Andalusian flamenco culture, most recognizable in the hit song 'De vuurdans'. The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra performs the popular orchestral version.

The Netherlands Philharmonic

The Netherlands Philharmonic is one of the most versatile cultural organisations in The Netherlands. The orchestra organises a diverse concert program in The Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam and is a welcome guest on foreign stages and festivals. The Netherlands Philharmonic brings classical music to life at the highest level and collaborates closely with international guest soloists and conductors. It takes great pleasure in welcoming and developing new musical talent. Lorenzo Viotti is the principal conductor of Dutch National Opera and the Netherlands Philharmonic.