NSOI: Garcia plays Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez

National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
Julio García Vico conductor
Thibaut Garcia guitar         

Camille Pépin Laniakea (Irish premiere)
Rodrigo Concierto de Aranjuez
Falla Interlude and Dance from La vida breve
Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol 
Ravel Boléro

A vibrant celebration of Spanish and French-inspired music, rich in colour, passion and flair under the expert direction of Julio García Vico. At its heart, Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by acclaimed guitarist Thibaut Garcia. The concerto which captures the warmth and lyricism of Spain remains one of the most celebrated works in the guitar repertoire.

The evening opens with French composer Camille Pépin’s Laniakea, (meaning immeasurable heaven), which paints a sound picture of space, to evoke the stillness, mystery, and movement of the universe. 

The evening continues with Falla’s Interlude and Dance from La vida breve bringing vivid drama and Andalusian flair, while Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol revels in brilliant orchestral colour inspired by Spanish folk music. 

The evening concludes with Ravel’s iconic Boléro, its hypnotic rhythm and inexorable crescendo transforming a single theme into one of the most recognisable climaxes in orchestral music. Although Ravel considered Boléro one of his least important works, it has always been his most popular and enduring.

Presented by NCH