Santander will host a new interpretation of Handel's ‘El Mesías’ on 12 December, featuring over 230 amateur singers alongside professional soloists and instrumentalists, under the direction of maestro Manuel Galán Cuesta. This initiative was announced by the mayor, Gema Igual, during a presentation organised by the association El Puntal EnclavedeSol, to be held at the Palacio de Festivales.
Joined by the regional Minister of Culture, Tamara González, musical director Manuel Galán, and Fernando Figueroa from El Puntal EnclavedeSol, Igual highlighted the event's key feature: the direct participation of individuals who share a passion for music, providing them with the opportunity to take part in a collective performance on the prestigious stage of the Palacio de Festivales.
“The combination allows us to bring a work as significant as ‘El Mesías’ to people who usually enjoy music from different perspectives, giving them the chance to perform alongside professional musicians,” she stated.
She explained that Santander joined this tradition in 2019, initiated by a group of enthusiasts who had previously participated in similar experiences and wished to bring them to the city. Following the inaugural event, additional editions were held in 2022 and 2024, with this year's performance expected to attract even more participants, collaborators, and audience members.
“Santander's involvement in this tradition is also a way to expand our cultural programming and offer new opportunities to those who engage with music through choral practice. Initiatives like this help maintain musical activity throughout the year and allow citizens to take centre stage,” she emphasised.
Moreover, she underscored the event's charitable purpose, as proceeds will support the Cocina Económica, an organisation dedicated to assisting individuals facing difficult circumstances and an integral part of the city's social history. She recalled that the 2024 edition raised €26,568, demonstrating how the collaboration of many can translate into tangible help for those in need.
“I am confident that this year, the people of Santander will once again show their solidarity, allowing us to continue supporting such a beloved and necessary institution as the Cocina Económica,” she remarked.
In this regard, she expressed gratitude to the organisers for maintaining this charitable goal and for choosing the Cocina Económica as the beneficiary of the proceeds, as each ticket purchased will contribute to supporting their activities and allow the audience to engage in the social objective of this event.
Finally, she announced that tickets will be available from Saturday, 14 November, at 11:00 AM through the Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria website, and from Monday, 16 November, they can also be purchased at the box office during regular hours.
