For many living on the island and for those merely visiting the island for a holiday the abundance of events, the music events, concerts and performers singing in the bars around the island can come as a surprise. We are but a small island but the talent flows all around us each day and long may it continue. I am privileged to be part of the Celebrity magazine team and to write about the many events and concerts that I can attend. Celebrity magazine is proud to support such local island events and brings news of the many concerts. I say to all our readers, do check out the Celebrity Magazine website and also the concert programme for the what is the 44th edition of the International Festival of Music of Deia. This season the programme continues from now until the 29th September and the full schedule of concerts can be found on www.dimf.com.
THE PRESENTATION- A short presentation to selected media on the Festival was made some weeks ago at the Tianna Negre, Bodega, being one of the new Sponsors for some of the amazing classical music concerts of the season, the first of which took place on 4th June. I was also invited to what was an evening of Presentation which was also attended by over 50 guests from the around the island. It was an evening to remember as the Director of the Festival, Alfredo Oyaguez spoke about the season ahead and that this year there is a record 45 concerts, taking place. Xisca Morey Garau, Director of Tianna Negre also spoke of their delight to be part of the Festival holding some of the concerts at their Bodega. The wonderful news was that where tickets are sold for attending concerts the ticket sale money will go to good causes chosen by the Festival so everyone is helping a little by attending. It was a fantastic evening with Alfredo providing details of the season ahead followed by tasting some fine wines with a small concert by Argentinian guitarist Sergio Bustos whose singing of ballads and guitar playing gave us all an insight of the quality of music of what was to come this season.Many concerts are taking place in other venues and can be attended for no charge but you can be sure that where a ticket is sold, the Festival has committed the proceeds to support good causes. We all look to support where we can and a superb evening of classical music brings us a true sense of relaxation and joy so much needed after the difficult times we have all endured.THE MAN BEHIND THE FESTIVAL. Alfredo Oyaguez. So many attend events, concerts and fairs but all just do not happen. They need someone and expertise behind the scenes to organise as does Celebrity Magazine. The commitment, the motivation and the skill in producing a magazine and this International Festival so famous throughout not only Mallorca, but the World needs a special person to bring it all together, raise donations, and sponsorships as many performers are World class from Argentinian, Russia, China, Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Italy to name but a few of the Nationalities taking part. Some fly in for the concerts whilst others are living on Mallorca or on the mainland but the quality of the performers is second to none and all thanks to Alfredo Oyaguez, the Director of the Festival. Who is he?? Well, a local living in Palma with his wife and daughter. Spanish, from Madrid and a young 55 years looking younger if you ask me. Alfredo with two Majors on piano from Yale University USA and also a conductor teaches chamber music and repertoire to students at the Palma school Conservatory. Mallorca is lucky to have such a talented person and arranger without who the Festival would not happen and grow. Alfredo started his love for music young at 7 years of age and classical music and piano music soon became in his blood. His wife also has a major in music and will be lending support during the long season unfolding now. Alfredo has conducted Symphony orchestra’s throughout the World and given concerts in the USA, recently Alaska, Canada, Argentina and Europe wide. Music, yes but water ski sports, and on the snow is one of the hobbies that provide Alfredo with relaxing times out from the busy days of music. A true believer in supporting young people
interested in a career in classical music and I know him well. A fun guy, an organiser and hard worker. This is the man behind the Festival and I thank him as do many that he has put together a season of memorable concerts A true supported of music and the island of Mallorca. So yes, check out the programme and come along to as many concerts as you can. Celebrity magazine will be at many and at other events,bringing local news, updates and showing that Mallorca is not just beaches, sea and sun, but culture through classical music and other concerts with major performers who are also putting Mallorca on the map.THE FIRST OF THE SEASON- Saturday, 4th June at Tianna Negre, Binissalem saw the first of the major concert events take place with the renowned pianist Boris Berman, Moscow born, then to Israel and now living the the USA and remains the Director of music at the piano department of Yale University and what a start to the Festival season. Boris Berman, World famous and nominated for a Grammy, a publisher of books and still giving master classes around the World.The event was a sell out and the weather kind as the performance in the outside courtyard provided the sounds of the piano to flow wonderfully through the warm evening air. A beautiful event and surroundings as Boris Berman played the piano music works of the famous Valentin Silvestrov, the leading Ukrainian composer now 84 years of age and living in Berlin. A surprise visit by Valentin made the evening even more memorable. Valentin, it is said is the most important composer of our time having lived in Russia creating new musical expression, different from those approved by the Government of Russia in the 60’s. Truly a man of independence and after a perilous journey he arrived in Berlin where he resides. So all were all enthralled by the soft intensity of the works played by Boris Berman created by Valentin Silvestre and knowing that the ticket contributions were going to the NGO World Central Kitchen through Chef Jose Andres to help the victims of Ukraine. A good cause and a privilege to hear such a performer play on this small island. Over 2,700 euros was raised so an excellent start to support the causes of the Festival.So the first of many concerts came to a close and I would love to attend them all, but it is not possible. I shall bring news of as many as possible as the Festival International of Deia season is bringing many World class performers to Mallorca for the first time and Celebrity Magazine will provide you with an insight of many, but do try to attend also and check out the Festival’s website. Celebrity magazine brings you close to many events, people and much more so keep up to date by visiting our website www.celebritymallorca.es and you will also find our unique printed magazine in the best places on Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. Enjoy. Report by David Whitney
