World-Class Violists Gather in Tenerife
The world’s finest violists will descend upon the Tenerife Auditorium next week for a spectacular musical showdown. After receiving nearly fifty applications, a specialist jury has selected twelve finalists for the first-ever Tenerife International Viola Competition. These elite musicians hail from Germany, China, Korea, Spain, the United States, Portugal, and Japan, promising an event of the highest international caliber.
A Competition Born from Viola Fest
This new competition, which evolved from the Viola Fest, will take place from April 17th to 19th in the Auditorio de Tenerife’s Chamber Hall. The jury tasked with selecting the ultimate winner comprises renowned figures: Macarena Pesutic, Garth Knox, Timothy Ridout, Veit Hertenstein, Humberto Orán, and Víctor Pablo Pérez. José Carlos Acha, Tenerife’s Minister of Culture, and the competition’s director, Macarena Pesutic, highlighted the resounding success of the call for entries, which attracted dozens of exceptionally high-level proposals. “Every musician we will see here comes from the best conservatories in the world,” Pesutic emphasized. Admission to this fascinating competition is free, with entry granted on a first-come, first-served basis until the venue reaches capacity.
A Sonic Journey from Canarian Roots to European Romance
The semifinal round on Monday, April 17th, is billed as an “inaugural round” that proposes a sonic journey into Canarian musical identity with an international spirit. The twelve finalists will perform consecutively from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Their required program includes pieces from European Romanticism by masters like Brahms, Schumann, Schubert, and Franck, followed by an encore piece inspired by Spanish culture. A particularly special moment will be the performance of a commissioned work that intertwines a Canarian lullaby (arrorró) with the sound of the traditional El Hierro whistles (pitos herreños). This piece, composed by jury member Garth Knox, is titled “Las nieblas de San Borondón” (The Mists of Saint Brendan).
The Grand Finale with Bach and Turina
The final, featuring the four best performers selected from the twelve semifinalists, will be held on Wednesday, April 19th, also in the Chamber Hall. This culminating event promises a “program of the highest standard,” featuring Bach’s Chaconne and Joaquín Turina’s “Escena Andaluza op.7.” For this final round, the performers will be accompanied by the renowned Schumann Quartet and pianist Javier Lanis. The final concerts are scheduled from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Masterclasses with the Masters
Beyond the competition, participation in the event includes the invaluable opportunity for contestants to attend masterclasses throughout the week, led by the distinguished members of the jury. This offers a unique chance for cultural and educational exchange, further enriching this inaugural international event on the island.
