The Mansfield Symphony Orchestra will present its opening concert of the 2018-2019 OhioHealth Symphony Series, “Spanish Fiesta” on Saturday, September 22 at 8 PM at the Renaissance Theatre. Under the direction of Octavio Más-Arocas, the event will feature a program inspired by the greatest musical images of Spain by several of the world’s best-loved composers.
Perhaps the most famous of the works for the evening is Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34 which is based on fiery and festive Spanish dances, as well as passionate Spanish folk melodies. Chabrier’s España leads off the concert, with de Falla’s Three Cornered Hat, Suite No. 2 and Granados’ Intermezzo from “Goyescas” rounding out the concert.
Also, on the concert will be Concierto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo. The Russian virtuoso of flamenco and classical guitar, Grigory “Grisha” Goryachev, will perform this virtuosic work.
A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Grisha Goryachev is renowned for his extraordinary musical sensitivity and technical virtuosity in both classical and flamenco styles. Grisha is one of very few guitarists in the world who is reviving the tradition of solo flamenco guitar in a concert setting that was practiced by legendary flamenco masters such as Ramón Montoya and Sabicas. Grisha strives to keep alive older flamenco masterpieces that now exist only on records by performing them in concerts. Instead of merely copying, he creates his own interpretations of these masterpieces, using dynamics and tone colors usually associated with classical guitar.
Grisha began playing guitar at the age of six, studying first with his father Dmitry, an acknowledged master teacher of the instrument. At nine years old, Grisha started his performing career as a child prodigy. His numerous performances before large audiences in the most prestigious concert halls in the Soviet Union were highly praised.
Following a tour of Spain, Grisha was invited to play for flamenco legend Paco de Lucía, who soon after personally intervened in support of his application for an American visa, which was awarded in 1997 on the basis of “Extraordinary Ability.” In May 2005 Grisha was awarded the prize for Best Performance of Spanish Music at the VI International Classical Guitar Competition "Julian Arcás" in Almería, Spain.
Grisha received his Bachelor, Master and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he studied under famous guitar virtuoso Eliot Fisk. He was one of the 30 people in 2006 to become a fellow of the distinguished Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship, recognizing him as exceptional in his chosen field. Since his immigration to the United States, Grisha has toured extensively in the states and abroad as a performer, instructor, and judge for many prominent festivals and venues. A firm believer in exposing the young generations to the beauty of classical and flamenco guitar, he likes to include Outreach performances and workshops at schools as part of his concert tours.
Grisha’s YouTube videos have collected over two million views and many notable comments. Grisha recorded two CDs: “Alma Flamenca” and “Homenaje a Sabicas.”
At 7 PM, come hear Grisha Goryachev, Maestro Más-Arocas, and music historian Mark Sebastian Jordan in “Symphony Chat” on the second floor ballroom of the Renaissance Theatre. These popular free pre-show events offer insights to the program, stories about the pieces and the composers, as well as highlighting significant moments in the repertoire. Free hors d’oeuvres and reduced price beverages will be served. Seating is limited.
Through the generous sponsorship of OhioHealth, the symphony will also be premiering an innovative experience at this concert by using the app, EnCue. During the performance, EnCue will deliver commentary throughout Capriccio Espagnol. The app will enhance the performance with the intent of forging an emotional bond between the audience and the performers. You can download the EnCue App prior to arriving at the theatre, or come to the Experience Table for assistance at the concert.
Tickets are on sale now for this concert at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone at (419) 522-2726, and online at MansfieldTickets.com. A limited number of $50 Family Four Pack tickets as well as $10 student tickets are available for this event only by visiting or calling the Renaissance Box Office. Full-price tickets range from $15 to $40. The Mansfield Symphony’s “Spanish Fiesta” concert is presented in part thanks to funding from the Ohio Arts Council.
Source, Photos: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
