The sixth edition of the Jordi Savall Festival began this Monday in Montblanc, with the inauguration of the sound and light sculpture 'LIMEN' at the Antic Hospital de Santa Magdalena. Subsequently, the Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Serra hosted the opening concert by Euskal Barrokensamble, titled 'Elkano: The First Circumnavigation'.
The Basque ensemble presented a repertoire that musically retraces the expedition of Juan Sebastián Elkano, the first circumnavigation of the world over 500 years ago. The audience enjoyed pieces from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and America, reflecting the journey's cultural diversity.
Jordi Savall highlighted that the Euskal Barrokensamble concert captures the journey's testimonies and incorporates them into a musical experience, recalling the importance of contact with other cultures and coexistence between countries, despite initial differences.
This year, the festival revolves around the total solar eclipse scheduled for August 12 in southern Catalonia. Savall explained that themes of 'light and darkness' will be explored through various works, addressing less visible aspects such as women in the East, inaccessible cultures, or less valued composers like Mendelssohn.
One of the notable events will be the 'Concert for an eclipse' on Wednesday, where Josep Maria Martí will perform pieces by Händell and Purcell in a secret location, with all tickets sold out.
Until Sunday, the festival will feature performances by renowned early music artists such as Núria Rial, the Quatuor Mosaïques, Momi Maiga, Montserrat Torrent, William Shelton, and Olga Paschenko. The premiere of 'Lumen tenebrae' by Bernat Vivancos, the festival's first commissioned work, will also take place.
