Spanish Orchestral Architect Enrique Rojas Guillén Dies at 81

Enrique Rojas Guillén, the former manager of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, passed away on Thursday in his hometown of Tenerife at the age of 81.

Rojas Guillén was a major force behind the growth of symphonic music in Spain. He played a crucial role in establishing and promoting three top orchestras: the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, the Galicia Symphony Orchestra, and the Castile and León Symphony Orchestra. The Tenerife orchestra noted his passing with sadness.

He managed the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra during two important periods: from 1972 to 1992 and again from 2000 to 2004. These years were vital for making the orchestra more professional, stable, and successful. During his time, the orchestra became structurally and artistically strong, setting the stage for its future. This work partly overlapped with Víctor Pablo Pérez's time as conductor, as they both saw symphonic music as a long-term cultural goal.

Later, in the 1990s, he became the manager of the Galicia Symphony Orchestra, helping it become one of Spain's leading orchestras. He also managed the Castile and León Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2010, a time when that ensemble also became institutionally and artistically stronger.

Beyond orchestras, Rojas Guillén was the first manager of the Auditorio de Tenerife and oversaw the Miguel Delibes Cultural Center in Valladolid. He also advised on restoring and bringing back to life historic theaters like the Leal, the Guimerá, and the Rosalía de Castro in La Coruña, all of which are key venues for Spain's music scene.

Víctor Pablo Pérez, the honorary conductor of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, shared his condolences. "From the bottom of my heart, I want to express my sorrow for your loss," he wrote. "Not only because you were a magnificent human being, but because our professional collaboration over so many years was always intense, loyal, and extremely creative."

Pérez added that Spain's musical culture "will always be grateful and indebted to you. You are already the great benchmark in the formation of the national orchestral fabric." He concluded, "Thank you for your commitment, dedication, and professionalism. Thank you for your human and generous spirit with all of us. Receive my gratitude and that of so many music lovers, full of affection."

Daniel Broncano, technical director of the Insular Music Board, also paid tribute. He wrote that Enrique Rojas "was not only the historic manager of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra: he was one of those managers who, with constant work and long-term vision, helped define the ecosystem of classical music in Spain. A good part of those of us who have come after in cultural management and in the orchestras themselves have learned from that legacy."