The National Symphony Orchestra of Chile will present its "Romantic Resonances" concert on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, at the National Symphony Grand Hall. The program, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., aims to bridge contemporary sounds with the Romantic repertoire under the baton of Chilean conductor José Luis Domínguez.
As reported by elmostrador.cl, the evening will feature a performance of James Oliverio'sThe Messenger, highlighting the participation of the orchestra's soloist, Gerardo Salazar. The musical piece utilizes a wide variety of instruments to create a dialogue between different cultures.
The concert will open withThe Temple, a composition by Domínguez that is making its Chilean premiere. Dominique Thomann, director of the University of Chile's Center for Artistic and Cultural Extension (CEAC), noted that this premiere is a long-awaited moment for the institution, marking both the conductor's debut in the Grand Hall and the first performance of his work in the country.
Rhythmic Challenge and Sonic Diversity
Oliverio's work,The Messenger, presents a technical challenge for both the orchestra and the soloist due to its rich timbral palette. Percussionist Gerardo Salazar explained that the piece incorporates atypical instruments representing various world cultures.
“Audiences will encounter more than thirty-five different instruments on stage, where the soloist must engage with them and create a dialogue of melodies and rhythms alongside the orchestra,” Salazar told the media. The performer emphasized that versatility is essential due to the polyrhythms and the combination of various sonic textures.
The percussion set for this segment includes elements such as six symphonic timpani, Tibetan singing bowls, güiro, congas, and djembe, among others. Salazar also highlighted the program's cohesion, noting that the works of Domínguez and Oliverio share certain timbres that create a sense of resonance between them.
The program will conclude with Johannes Brahms' Symphony No. 3 in F major, one of the most iconic works in the Western musical tradition. The concert is part of a series of educational activities, which include a percussion masterclass led by Salazar on April 15.
Following its run in Santiago, the National Symphony Orchestra will continue its regional tour as part of the "Sembrando Cultura" (Sowing Culture) program. According to available information, the ensemble will visit Rancagua on April 23 and 24, before moving to Viña del Mar on April 28 and 29.
