Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Makes FIMC Debut

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, with a history spanning over 170 years, is making its first appearance this week at the Canary Islands International Music Festival (FIMC). They will perform works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Felix Mendelssohn. For their debut, the orchestra from Monaco will be joined by pianist Martin Helmchen, who will play Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto – Beethoven's final piano concerto.

Led by their main conductor, Kazuki Yamada from Japan, the orchestra will perform on Friday at the Auditorio de Tenerife, and on Saturday at the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Both concerts start at 7:30 PM. For those interested in learning more about the music, there will be pre-concert talks an hour before each performance, given by Ricardo Ducatenzeiler.

The concert will open with Beethoven's "Coriolan Overture," Op. 62, composed in 1807. Although originally written as background music for a play, this eight-minute piece stands alone as a powerful symphonic work. It dramatically tells the story of the Roman general Coriolanus, torn between his pride, desire for revenge, and his family's pleas to prevent war.

Next, Martin Helmchen will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor," Op. 73. Interestingly, this piece was written during a time of great turmoil – when Vienna was under siege by Napoleon's army, and Beethoven himself had to hide in a basement, muffling the sound of artillery with pillows. Despite this, the concerto's three movements are full of grandeur and energy, not anguish, and were groundbreaking for their time.

The concert will conclude with Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 in A minor, often called the "Scottish Symphony." This piece is believed to have been inspired by Mendelssohn's visit to the ruins of Holyrood Palace, once home to Queen Mary Stuart, which left a strong impression on him. Its four movements flow seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous story. The symphony moves from a sense of historical melancholy to the cheerfulness of folk dances, even using clarinet sounds to suggest bagpipes.

Tickets to see the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic's debut in the Canary Islands can be bought at the box offices of both auditoriums or online. You can also find more information and links to tickets on the festival's website: www.festivaldecanarias.com.

The orchestra's program has a clear romantic theme, featuring two of the most important composers of that era. To perform Beethoven's work, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic has invited acclaimed German pianist Martin Helmchen. A student of Alfred Brendel, Helmchen is highly regarded by international critics for his performances of this kind of music.

Kazuki Yamada, who has been leading the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic for ten years, is currently in high demand. Besides his role in Monaco, he also conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and was recently appointed to lead the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin and Rundfunkchor Berlin.