Classical Laguna Experience Returns with Focus on Cuban Musical Heritage
The seventh edition of the Classical Laguna Experience returns from September 22 to October 4, celebrating Cuban musical heritage through a series of free concerts and cultural discussions across the Canary Islands.
The seventh edition of the Classical Laguna Experience (CLE) returns from September 22 to October 4, serving as a bridge between the Canary Islands and Latin America. This year, the festival highlights Cuba, blending academic musical traditions with popular styles.
A key feature of this year’s program is the focus on connecting musical heritage with modern innovation. This is best exemplified by a new commission from composer Jenny Peña Campo. The festival concludes on October 4 at the University of La Laguna’s Paraninfo, where conductor Yudania Gómez Heredia will lead the Classical Laguna Experience Orchestra (CLEO). The concert will feature violinist Alexis Cárdenas and soloists Verónica Cagigao and Ernesto Alemán. RNE’s Radio Clásica will record the performance, which includes works by composers such as Carlos Fariñas and Ileana Pérez Velázquez.
The festival travels across several locations:
- September 22–23 (La Gomera): Performances by the duo Índice y Medio and Dúo Fraute at La Laguna Grande.
- September 27 (Gran Canaria): Guitarist Alexander Álvarez performs at the Maspalomas Lighthouse.
- October 1–3 (Tenerife): The schedule includes the Cuarteto Imprevisto at Casa Anchieta, a performance by verse improviser Yeray Rodríguez and Anamarys Gil at Plaza Hermano Ramón, and appearances by the Dúo Smetti and the Sigma Project saxophone quartet.
Beyond the music, the CLE encourages critical discussion. The Adrián Alemán de Armas Municipal Library will host two round-table sessions moderated by María del Ser and César Martín, featuring artists like Laura Vega, Candelaria Dorta, Peña Campo, Pérez Velázquez, and Gómez Heredia.
The festival also partners with Barrios Orquestados, an initiative that uses music education to support social change. By connecting guest artists with students from the project, the CLE aims to make a lasting impact on the local community.
All performances are free, though reservations are required via the Tickety platform. The event is supported by the Government of the Canary Islands, Promotur, the La Laguna City Council, the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Fred. Olsen, and RTVE.