Canary Islands Youth Orchestra to Premiere New Symphonic Adaptations of Saint-Saëns Works

The musical legacy of Camille Saint-Saëns’ time in the Canary Islands at the turn of the 20th century is set to reach a new audience this September. The Canary Islands Youth Orchestra (Jocan) will debut symphonic versions of Vals canariote and Campanas de Las Palmas—two pieces originally written for piano and recently adapted by young Galician composer León Durán.

This project stems from an orchestration competition launched by the DISA Foundation and the orchestra to support creators under 30. A jury featuring renowned figures such as Antoni Ros Marbá, Antoni Parera, Víctor Pablo Pérez, and Korstiaan Kegel selected Durán’s work, awarding him a 5,000-euro prize alongside the commission. This partnership between the Canary Institute of Cultural Development and the private sector highlights a decade-long commitment to professionalizing the young musicians of Jocan.

For the 22-year-old Durán, this premiere is a significant achievement in a career already backed by strong academic training. A horn player and composer who earned top honors at the Superior Conservatory of Murcia, he has previously won awards in composition contests in Galicia, Cullera, and at Loyola University. His works, including Bodas de Sangre and the cantata Oda a la música, have been performed by major ensembles under the direction of prestigious conductors.

These new symphonic adaptations will open Jocan’s upcoming tour, which runs from September 19 to 24. The tour will visit several islands, as well as Madrid and Barcelona, and will feature performances by the group Los Sabandeños and pianist Juan Floristán. The program serves as a bridge between the region's historical musical heritage and the bright future of emerging talent.