Chorale, Chamber Orchestra to celebrate Spanish music

The UNC Charlotte Chorale and Chamber Orchestra join forces to present “Concierto España!” – a celebration of the music of Spain. The concert will be at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Robinson Hall’s Belk Theater.

Headlining the concert is the new world premiere of a work by Joaquin Rodrigo “Cántico de San Francisco de Asís.” This 18-minute work is for choir and orchestra. Widely considered the most popular Spanish composer in the standard orchestral repertoire, Rodrigo is best known for his guitar concerto, “Concierto de Aranjuez.”

Additionally the choir, orchestra, and six soloists will unite to present a Christmas “villancico” by Padre Antonio Soler, known to history as “the Spanish Mozart.” This charming short Christmas scene also is a U.S. premiere of the full version of the work. José Fernández, guest conductor from Madrid, will assist in the authentic interpretation of this music. Fernández was the director of orchestras at Conservatorio Montserrat Caballé and later its director until his retirement. He is chairman of the cultural organization Artemus, a musical philanthropic foundation for greater Madrid.