San Pedro Alcántara will host its sixth international classical music festival from 22 to 25 October, a cultural event that promises four evenings of diverse performances. Organised by music promoter Shane O'Shea through Elissimo Events, in collaboration with the local council and sponsored by Skybound Wealth Management, the festival will feature nine musicians and aims to promote local talent, particularly Spanish classical performers.
José Antonio Moreno, the General Director of Culture in San Pedro, emphasised that this festival “consolidates its presence in the events calendar and reinforces its mission to bring classical music to diverse audiences, support the careers of performers, and foster connections between the Spanish community and international residents through culture.”
The organiser highlighted the festival's growth over the years, noting that it has supported over 90 musicians during its six-year history in San Pedro Alcántara. He stated that the current goal is to provide opportunities for Spanish artists, many of whom are based in Andalusia cities like Seville, Granada, and Málaga, who require platforms to showcase their work and advance their careers, especially following the challenges faced by the cultural sector during the pandemic.
This year's programme will offer a wide variety of styles and interpretations, ranging from performances by two pianists playing four hands to a string quartet. Each day will feature a unique musical offering, making classical music accessible to both residents and visitors while promoting different formats and musical experiences.
The collaboration of the local council and the Foreign Residents Department has been acknowledged, with an emphasis on “the ability of culture to connect people from different nationalities and promote coexistence through shared proposals.” Kevin Birtles, a representative of Skybound, underscored the importance of supporting cultural initiatives that enhance the offerings of the Costa del Sol, noting that the festival has allowed artists who may not have had other opportunities to perform before a wider audience and showcase their talent.
Concerts will begin each day at 19:30 and conclude before 21:00, allowing attendees to continue enjoying the dining and leisure options in San Pedro Alcántara after the performances. Additionally, the evenings will include a complimentary cava reception at 18:45 in the outdoor area of the theatre before the concerts commence.
The festival will kick off on 22 October with ‘DUALIST’, the duo of pianists Manuel Juan Díaz and Francisco Javier Cubero; followed by ‘Dúo Ambience’ featuring violinist Nicolae Ciocan and pianist Álvaro San Bartolomé on 23 October; concert pianist Antonio Ortiz on 24 October; and concluding with ‘Con Fuoco String Quartet’ on 25 October.
