An Unforgettable Concert at the Traditional Crafts Center
On January 30, the Centre Artesà Tradicionàrius hosted an exceptional musical event: the penultimate concert of the ESMUC’s winter Great Ensembles. On this occasion, the Great Root Ensemble brought together a large majority of students of Catalan Traditional Music, as well as instruments from other genres.
Stellar Direction and Collaborations
Conducted by Efrén López, a renowned expert in medieval music and Mediterranean string instruments, the concert featured prominent musicians such as percussionist Pere Olivé and the voices of Isabel Martín and Míriam Encias. López integrated unconventional instruments, such as the sea horn, into his repertoire, adding a unique dimension to the performance.
A Repertoire That Explores Cultural Diversity
The selection of pieces was a journey through the sounds of the Iberian Peninsula, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Black Sea and India, presenting a mosaic of rhythms and melodies that challenged the musicians and captured the audience’s attention. López introduced instruments such as the viola de roda, which he played for the first time on this stage, thus showing his ability to innovate and surprise.
The Challenge of Interpretation: Beyond Rapid Learning
One of the central ideas of the concert was the importance of deep learning of music that students are unfamiliar with. Efrén emphasized that understanding these genres requires time and dedication, as well as his personal experience traveling to countries like Greece and Turkey to study their musical traditions.
An Act of Participation and Connection
The audience reaction was a reflection of the talent of the students, who demonstrated their ability to perform and improvise. Each soloist who finished their piece received enthusiastic applause, reaffirming the participatory nature of traditional music.
Breaking Stereotypes: A New Vision of Traditional Music
The concert not only challenged expectations about traditional music, but also featured compositions by well-known composers, such as Stelios Foustalieris and Ravi Shankar. López included his own works, such as ‘Kipula dantza’, which reflects his own experience with the onion, thus showing a new facet of musical creation.
An Ending With Humor and Reflection
López enlivened the event with touches of humor, such as his joke about the tons of cell phones, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. This concert was an enriching experience for both the musicians and the audience, marking a milestone in the way traditional music is understood and presented.
