Classical music to start the new year

Starting the new year with classical music is always a great idea, especially during these times. Hearing the melodic chords is an invitation to delight.

One of the upcoming events to look out for is the concert by the remarkable saxophonist Javier Zalba, which will take place on Saturday, January 13th in the Basilica of San Francisco de Asís, located in the historic centre of Havana. He will be accompanied by pianist María del Henar Navarro and his son, flautist José Zalba-Smith. Their repertoire includes works by Claude Debussy, Darius Milhaud, Astor Piazzolla, Jorge López Marín, and Zalba himself.

Also, the Cornell University Wind Symphonic Band, conducted by James Spinazzola, will be presenting on the 17th at the Casa de las Américas.

On the international scene, Luis Ernesto Doñas, a Cuban director, will be premiering Werther for the Ljubljana Opera House in Slovenia on the 18th after 45 years without a production. The work will be conducted by Aytron Desimpelaere, with sets by Chiara La Ferlita, costumes by Elisa Cobello, and lighting by Camilla Piccioni. A multidisciplinary team that has already accompanied Doñas in the operas Acqua Profonda by Giovanni Sollima and Otello by Gioacchino Rossini for the Belcanto Opera Festival in Japan will also be part of the production.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez