The fascinating textures and perfumes of Spain have inspired artists and influenced cultures all around the world. American jazz legend Chick Corea was fired up by Joaquín Rodrigo’s beloved Aranjuez concerto and made it the launching pad for his orchestral masterpiece Spain. It’s an exhilarating fusion of two great musical traditions.
Far away in Russia, Rodion Shchedrin channelled Spain via Bizet for his Carmen Suite, a zesty, concentrated version of arguably the world’s favourite opera.
On the other side of Europe, Debussy’s enchantment with Spain was ignited after seeing a bullfight in San Sebastian, while Boccherini was born in Italy but spent most of his life in Madrid.
There’s so much more in this grand tour of discovery as a jazz quartet, featuring pianist Matt McMahon and trumpeter Phil Slater, joins the ACO to bring it all home.
