Acclaimed English violinist Tasmin Little helps celebrate 2015 as the ‘Year of Mexico in the UK’ by performing Vaughan-Williams’ The Lark Ascending with the Orquesta Filarmónica de México UNAM (OFUNAM). The orchestra, making its British debut in July, is the oldest symphonic group in Mexico City with its home being the concert hall of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Bringing their warm summer sounds, tonight’s programme also showcases some of Mexico and South America’s most famous symphonic composers, like Chavez, Piazzolla and Márquez, whose Danzón No. 2 and Conga del fuego appear regularly in Classic FM’s ‘Hall of Fame’, and are part of tonight’s repertoire.
With lively melodies and rhythms coupled with their famed sound of sweeping strings and distinctive horns, the Orquesta Filarmónica de México UNAM also brings its zeal to De Falla’s praised Three-Cornered Hat as well as Piazzolla’s heart-achingly beautiful tribute to his father, Adiós Nonino.
The evening’s energetic tone continues with Mexican pianist Jorge Federico Osorio performing Gershwin’s atmospheric Rhapsody in Blue.