JOIES DEL CLASSICISME CATALÀ I VIENÈS (GEMS OF CATALAN AND VIENNESE CLASSICAL PERIOD MUSIC)
with the Catalan Chamber Orchestra
Júlia Farrés-Llongueras, soprano
Xavier Pagès-Corella, conductor
This concert will offer a journey through European classical period music, with works by Mateu Ferré, F. J. Haydn and W. A. Mozart. Ferré’s Simfonia en Re M shows influences from Italy and Rossiniane, with a dramatic overture structure followed by a vibrant allegro. Written in around 1770, Haydn’s Symphony no 43 “Mercury” is characterised by its lightness, lyrical themes, and unexpected developments typical of the Sturm und Drang style. In addition, the programme includes arias from The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and Così fan tutte by Mozart, which give a sublime touch of lyricism and emotion to this journey through the great classical repertoire.
PERFORMERS
The Catalan Chamber Orchestra was founded by Joan Pàmies in 1986. It works with up-and-coming soloists and consecrated artists, offering the youngsters the chance to perform with professionals. It provides support to contemporary art and to the promotion of the past masters, with a repertoire that covers all periods. It has performed over 700 concerts, in local venues as well as auditoriums and festivals in both Catalonia and Spain, along with countries such as France, Italy, China and Mexico. It has worked with renowned soloists and conductors, and has recorded for international radio and television stations. It has seven CDs of unpublished music, primarily Catalan. Supported by different institutions, it regularly performs in spring, summer and Christmas cycles.
Júlia Farrés-Llongueras is a soprano who trained with Mati Pinkas and specialised with Renata Scotto in Rome. A prizewinner at competitions in Naples and Paris, she has performed operatic roles on stages such as the Palau de les Arts, La Maestranza in Seville, Peralada and Cyprus. She made her debut in Italy in 2020 with Donna di veleni. She has also excelled in light opera and oratorio, and lied played a central role in her higher education, with recitals in Catalonia, Spain, Germany, Finland and Austria. She plays a contemporary repertoire and has performed with renowned orchestras and conductors. She has recorded for European radio stations, and has published albums with the label La mà de Guido.
CONDUCTOR
Xavier Pagès-Corella is a musician with a solid career characterized by his creativity and versatility. His artistic vision encompasses a wide range of styles, from music inspired by popular traditions to the most experimental contemporary compositions. Additionally, throughout his career, he has distinguished himself for his intense work in the performing and promotion of the Catalan musical heritage from all eras, with the firm purpose of making music an accessible, valuable, and socially transformative form of expression. He is currently the artistic director and chief conductor of the Julià Carbonell Symphonic Orchestra of the Region of Lleida, associate conductor of the Catalan Chamber Orchestra, and a professor at the El Liceu Higher Conservatory of Music.