Repertoire

Stephanie Macchi: Work commissioned at the ESMUC composition workshop (2023) 5′
Sofia Gubaidulina: Hour of the Soul for mezzo-soprano and large wind orchestra (1974) 25’ – National premiere
Ferrer Ferran: Symphony No. 3 “El gaudir del geni” (The Great Spirit) (2005) 35’

Artists

Barcelona Symphonic Band
Gemma Coma-Alabert, mezzo-soprano
José R. Pascual-Vilaplana, conductor

Program

For decades Sofia Gubaidulina has been a leading figure in international contemporary music. This performance of Hour of the Soul, which she has arranged for band herself, is a wonderful opportunity to enter a sound universe infused with spirituality. Percussion instruments are central to the work, reflecting the inner life of individuals. As the piece proceeds, the external world, often futile and superficial, intrudes, in the form of film clips, Soviet marches and popular tunes, ending with some verses by Marina Tsvetaeva, a victim of Stalin’s repression. 

Ferrer Ferran’s Symphony no. 3 was commissioned by the Federació Catalana de Societats Musicals. It is dedicated to architect Antoni Gaudí and consists of two movements: “Gaudí” and “Sagrada Família”. The concert begins with a piece by Stephanie Marie Macchi, who is studying composition at the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya.