Cordoba Guitar Festival

Tribute to Master Joaquín Rodrigo on the 20^th anniversary of his death

Poster of Cordoba Guitar Festival

The 39^th Festival de la Guitarra de Córdoba, celebrated between 4 and 13 of July, paid homage to master Joaquín Rodrigo.. This tribute took place on 6 July, the 20^th anniversary of the master’s death, and included a concert in the Patio de los Naranjos, Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba.

Photo: Rehearsal with Orchestra of Cordoba and maestro Carlos Dominguez-Nieto
© Mariko Ogura

The participants in the concert were José María Gallardo del Rey, composer and classical guitarist, and Cañizares composer and flamenco guitarist, alongside the Cordoba Orchestra, conducted by master Carlos Dominguez-Nieto. The programme included four concerts for guitar and orchestra.

The concert began with Concierto Mediterráneo para Guitarra y Orquesta a la memoria de Joaquín Rodrigo, composed and played by Cañizares. This was followed by Rodrigo’s Fantasía para un Gentilhombre, interpreted by Gallardo.

The second part featured Gallardo’s Diamantes para Aranjuez, dedicated to Rodrigo, and Concierto de Aranjuez, the greatest work by Rodrigo, interpreted by Cañizares.

Photo: With Maestro Josep Pons
© Mariko Ogura

Usually, soloists play a single work, but in this special occasion each of them played two concerts. The rehearsals for this unique performance were also very long. Cañizares arrived to Cordoba before the festival began, and carried out several rehearsals with master Dominguez-Nieto and the Cordoba Orchestra.

Photo: Concert at Patio de los Naranjos in the Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba
© Mariko Ogura

The concert took place in a magical setting: the Patio de los Naranjos, Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, which was declared World Heritage Site 25 years ago. The lighting and ambience of this stage created the ideal background for the occasion.

Photo: Cañizares, José María Gallardo del Rey and Roberto Vozmediano
© Mariko Ogura

After the four concerts, Gallardo, Roberto Vozmediano (percussion) and Cañizares played together to thank the applause of the audience that filled the Patio de los Naranjos.
Gallardo and Cañizares already collaborated together about 15 years ago, and in this occasion they had the support of Roberto as percussionist. They have played together in many Spanish cities, London, the mythical Carnegie Hall in NY, the Expo at Aichi,  Japan... we have very fond memories of the times we have been together.

Photo: after the concert with Mrs. Cecilia León Rodrigo with her husband
© Mariko Ogura

July 6^th the third day of the festival, was dedicated to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of Master Joaquín Rodrigo’s death; many cities worldwide sent messages of appreciation for the master. On the day, we enjoyed the presence of Dña. Cecilia León Rodrigo, granddaughter of the master, who attended the concert in the company of her husband.

Photos: The local press reports the concert and the presentation of the album
© Mariko Ogura

For the 10-day duration of the 39^th Festival, the local press has published stories and news about the festival’s events, including the concert, the presentation of the album “Rodrigo por Cañizares” and Cañizares’ Master Class.

Photo: Master Class of Cañizares
© Mariko Ogura

Each year, Cañizares offers a master class within the framework of the festival. This year, 27 students shared 3 intense study days with the materials prepared by Cañizares especially for the course.

This 1-minute video includes images of this years’ Festival de la Guitarra de Córdoba. The music is Extraña Belleza, from Cañizares’s album El Mito de la Caverna.

 【Recuerdos de Viaje・Festival de la Guitarra de Córdoba】
♪ Extreña Belleza