Palma de Mallorca, 16th Mar 10

A SEASON OF MUSIC ON MALLORCA FROM CHOPIN TO THE KOOKS

The island's music community plays tribute to Chopin in the composer's bicentary year and Schumann and Barber in their respective centenary years. At the other end of the music spectrum award winning pop & rock bands will play Magaluf and Palma.

Mallorca’s musical season starts with its own homage to one of its most famous musical visitors, Frederic Chopin, who spent a winter on the island in 1838/39 with his French lover, George Sand. That winter became regarded as a pivotal period in the composer’s life and the island provided inspiration for some of his most famous compositions including the “Raindrop Preludes”. In celebration of Chopin’s bicentenary year many of the island’s established international festivals will be featuring the composer in their programmes including:

April - September, Deia International Festival, Son Marroig.
The opening concert of this year’s Deia Festival on Thursday, April 1st, will feature works by Schumann and Barber (celebrating their centenary) and Chopin. Further concerts featuring works by Chopin are also scheduled for September 23rd and 30th. All concerts are held in Son Marroig, which was the summer residence of the Austrian Archduke Luis Salvador, and provides an idyllic setting for this festival. Please check the website for times, reservations and the full programme through to September 2010. www.dimf.com

April- September, Summer Concert Season at the Palau March – Palma
The Bartomeu March Foundation presents a series of classical music concerts starting with a tribute to the works of Schumann, Barber and Chopin on Saturday, April 3rd. All concerts start at 21.00 and admission is free. Information on this year’s programme/reservations, Tel: + 34 971 711 122.

August, Chopin Festival,Valldemossa.
In 1930 the Mallorcan composer Joan Maria Thomàs created the first ever Chopin Festival in the world using the venue of the Carthusian Monastery in Valldemossa as the venue and the festival’s headquarters.

In Chopin’s bicentenary year, the festival’s organisers will feature a selection of works by some of the most famous international classical pianists in the world in the authentic atmosphere of the Monastery where Chopin composed during his stay.

The first concert on Sunday, August 1st, will feature the Balearic Symphony Orchestra directed by Antoni Witt, Artistic director of the Varsòvia Philarmonic Orchestra and featuring Iván Martin on piano. On August 8th, awarding winning pianist Elisso Viersaladze will perform. August 15th, celebrated French pianist, Alain Planès will play “Chopin chez Plevel”. August 22, Polish pianist Wojciech Switala will perform his own award winning interpretation of Chopin’s works. The closing concert of the festival on August 29th will be performed by another great Polish pianist, Rafal Blechacz. All concerts start at 22.00 further information: www.festivalchopin.com. Reservations: Tel: + 34 971612 351. Further background information on Chopin’s Bicentenary on Mallorca: www.anychopin.es

August – October, Puerto Soller Classical Music Festival
Now in its 6th year, the Puerto Soller Festival starts on August 21st with a piano concert featuring the music of Arensky and Rachmaninow for a “Romantic Russian Night”. On September 25th pianist, Alexander Malter, performs his tribute to Chopin and Schumann. Concerts run through to the end of October. For information on the full programme, times and reservations: www.festivalportsoller.com

October - November, Musical Mallorca Festival, Palma.
Now in its seventh year, this festival brings together international artists to perform an eclectic mix of music. The festival starts on October 9th with inaugural concert and on October 16th a special Bicentenary Tribute to Chopin will take place with the theme of “Chopin Meets Schubert” in La Caxia Forum, Palma. Concerts are programmed through to November 9th. Information and reservations: www.musicmallorca.com or www.teatreprincipal.com

From Classical to Contemporary:

April 30th – Lou Reed in Palma
American rock musician best known as the guitarist, vocalist and prinicipal songwriter of the The Velvet Underground. He started a solo career in 1971 and had the hit single “Walk on the Wild Side” in 1972. Lou Reed will perform in Palma’s Teatre Principal. Information: www.teatreprincipal.com

May 1st – Franz Ferdinand Play Palma
The award winning Scottish pop band Franz Ferdinand will play their first concert in Mallorca in the Palma Arena on May 1st. One ticket price of 25 € (approx. £23) per person. Information: www.artescenic.es

June 6th – Kooks – Rocks Hotel, Magaluf
The new Rocks Hotel in Magaluf will celebrate its official inauguration with a concert by hit Brighton band, The Kooks with DJ Zane Lowe. Various concerts are programmed this summer including Calvin Harris & Example on July 5th; Dizzee Rascal on July 26th and Australian band Pendulum on September 6th. Tickets cost (approx.36€) £33.00 to include booking fee. Information and reservations: www.mallorcarockshotel.com

For further general information on forthcoming concerts please go to: www.artescenic.es

For further information, please contact:
Mallorca Tourist Board, Dominique Carroll / Anna Skidmore,
Tel:(+34) 971 725 396 Fax: (+34) 971 713 540
E-Mail: info@fomentmallorca.org

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GOOD NEWS FOR MALLORCA IN 2012 (09th Feb 12)

THREE KINGS - THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE! (05th Jan 12)

FESTIVE SWEETS CAN BE HEAVENLY (05th Jan 12)