A Controversial Choice
As artistic director and founder of La Rioja Festival, one of my favorite things to do is to curate the festival’s repertoire. This year, we have so many amazing concerts with pieces that I consider to be both culturally relevant and incredibly accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Nonetheless, there is one concert in particular that has caused some commotion. ADDA Simfònica, along with Josep Vicent’s masterful baton, will be playing Shostakovich’s 7th Symphony.
Nicknamed as the Leningrad, this symphony puts into question what Shostakovich’s relationship was with Stalin and his political views. It is due to this conundrum that some people have wondered why ADDA Simfònica, Josep Vicent, and I have chosen this particular piece. Are we trying to make a political stance or not?
Let’s talk about the history of this symphony: Shostakovich began writing the symphony in 1941 while Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) was under siege by Nazi forces during World War II. The harsh conditions and the city's suffering under the siege have led to debates about whether the symphony was intended as a patriotic rallying cry against the invaders or a more complex commentary on the Soviet regime itself. Some musicologists and historians have even gone as far as to say that Shostakovich encoded hidden meanings and criticisms of the Soviet government into the music, using it as a form of artistic dissent against the oppressive Stalin regime.
Whether you believe this symphony showcases Shostakovich’s patriotism or his dissent, the truth of the matter is that it’s still one of the most impressive pieces of music that has ever been written. When it premiered, it brought tears to people’s eyes. It touched their hearts in the way that very few pieces of music are able to. Furthermore, it is a historically relevant piece that opens up a dialogue about the purpose of art:
Is art solely meant to be beautiful? Or is it just an emotional expression? Or can it be something more? If art can move humanity to tears and start a difficult conversation, then maybe it can also bring us together, or at least that’s what I believe.
So, if you haven’t bought your tickets to this concert yet, you definitely should! Also, this year we’re organizing a ton of really cool experiences you won’t want to miss out on. Keep reading for more information!
La Rioja Festival: Encuentros
La Rioja Festival was inspired by my love of my home region and everything that it has to offer. It’s not just the wine and gastronomy that make it great, but it’s also the incredible landscapes, the picturesque towns, and its authentic charm, uncorrupted by tourism, that makes this region so special. So, in honor of that, we’ve created a program that’s incredibly unique and true to this magnificent corner of the world.
A PARTY ON SAN JUAN STREET
After my concert with Spain’s National Symphony Orchestra, we will be dancing the night away on San Juan street, where D.J.s will play popular songs along this charming street, giving you the best of all classics in one night: Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, popular “classics” you won’t be able to resist dancing to, and delicious pinchos to snack on throughout the night.
PRIVATE WINERY TOURS AND TASTINGS
Sign up for private winery tours at some of the most renowned wineries in the region. Guests will have the opportunity to savor different wines and experience one of the most authentic practices of the region.