The Christmas concert originally titled Four Seasons was organized by the Akdeniz Foundation and scheduled for this Saturday in Alicante. The event, held at the foundation’s headquarters, featured the Mediterranean Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Carlos Santo. The setting provided an intimate yet resonant space for a program that blended Baroque finesse with the warm textures of the Christmas season, inviting audiences to discover music in a new light. The shift from a planned four-season theme to a festive Christmas mood added a seasonal texture while keeping the ensemble’s signature clarity and balance that define their performances.
Across the night, a varied program illuminated a broad spectrum of classical voices. The evening included works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Benedetto Marcello, and Antonio Vivaldi, offering listeners a journey through time that showcased dramatic contrasts and lyrical tenderness. Pieces presented ranged from Bach’s cantata BWV 82 Ich habe genug to the vivacious contours of Bach’s violin and oboe concerto BWV 1060, alongside Marcello’s exquisite oboe concerto D.935. The centerpiece of the program, a dedicated interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, featured renowned soloists such as violinist Anna Margrethe Nilsen, oboist Rocío Jurado Pérez, and baritone Máximo Zarzo. Carlos Santo expanded his role beyond direction by performing as a harpsichordist, weaving continuo textures into the orchestral fabric and guiding the ensemble through the concert’s intricate moods.
Prestige
The Mediterranean Chamber Orchestra, founded in 2001, brings together musicians who have trained with prestigious international institutions and honed their craft in renowned ensembles. Their repertoire spans the music of the 17th to the 19th centuries, with a particular emphasis on the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The ensemble is known for a thoughtful approach to period style and a emphasis on clarity of texture, balance of line, and expressive detail that resonates with modern listeners while respecting historical practices. This combination has earned international recognition and a dedicated following among audiences who appreciate depth and nuance in classical performance.
Attention to the soloists’ education underscores the group’s high level of artistry. Violinist Anna Margrethe Nilsen, oboist Rocío Jurado Pérez, and baritone Máximo Zarzo all completed studies at top-tier conservatories and conservatory-affiliated programs, and their training reflects the foundation of the ensemble’s polished sound. Jurado Pérez, in particular, studied at well-regarded institutions in New York and Spain, which contributed to a concert experience marked by technical precision and interpretive insight. The soloists’ rigorous training blends with the orchestra’s collaborative discipline, creating a cohesive interpretive voice that elevates each selection in the program.
Ultimately, the Christmas concert surpassed a mere display of musical talent. It offered a cultural experience that enriched all participants, combining familiar masterworks with hidden treasures of the classical repertoire. The evening demonstrated how festive programming can illuminate enduring musical values, turning a seasonal event into an unforgettable encounter for audiences throughout the Christmas season.