The Provincial Council of Palencia has unveiled its cultural programme ‘Tocata y Fuga’, which consists of three cycles and a total of 25 organ concerts. This initiative aims to promote the rich organ heritage of the province and the unique sound of the Roman hydraulis organ.
‘Tocata y Fuga’ includes three distinct cycles: ‘Música por mil tubos’, ‘Organada’, and ‘Suena el Hydraulis’. The fourth edition of ‘Música por mil tubos’ is particularly significant as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Professional Conservatory of Music in Palencia, the only official institution for elementary and professional music education in the province.
The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ángeles Armisén, President of the Provincial Council; Carolina Valbuena, Cultural Deputy; and José Antonio Rubio Mielgo, the delegate of the Junta de Castilla y León in Palencia. They were joined by Enrique Abello, director of the Conservatory, and other representatives from the local community.
The 2026-2027 programme features 25 activities, comprising 10 concerts and 15 demonstrations, all designed to bring organ music closer to the public and highlight the province's organ heritage. The Provincial Council has been actively involved for over 40 years in promoting this important cultural asset through restoration efforts and summer concert programming featuring renowned organists.
In addition to supporting the Provincial School of Organ (EPOP), the Council collaborates with various local associations to enhance cultural activities throughout the year. The goal is to establish a stable programme that extends beyond the summer months, allowing audiences to enjoy the province's organs year-round and to rediscover the sounds of the ancient hydraulis organ commissioned for La Olmeda.
Upcoming concerts and demonstrations
The ‘Música por mil tubos’ cycle will kick off on 29 October with a performance by Pilar Cabrera, followed by Ines Schüttengruber on 18 November. The 2027 schedule includes performances by EPOP students and other artists, including Anne-Gaëlle Chanon and David Cassan, who will present a silent film accompaniment.
The ‘Organada’ cycle features two concerts: the first on 30 October at the Church of San Pablo in Palencia, with a collaboration between Camerata Lírica and organist Norbert Itrich Prella. The second concert will take place on 31 October at the Church of San Hipólito in Támara de Campos, featuring Il Parnasso Musicale.
Finally, the ‘Suena el Hydraulis’ cycle will consist of 15 demonstrations showcasing the sound and mechanics of the hydraulis, conducted by EPOP students at the Roman Villa of La Olmeda. These demonstrations are scheduled for Saturdays from late October 2026 through April 2027.
