Essence duo, a refined collaboration between flutist Isabel Gualda and pianist Victoria Marco, will perform at the Alicante College of Physicians auditorium next Friday at 8:00 PM, presenting a nocturne inspired by clair de lune. The concert is a fresh offering from the Alicante Chamber Music Association, produced in partnership with the French Consulate and the College of Physicians, and promises a musical fantasy guided by a charismatic presenter.
Martín Llade, renowned host of RTVE’s New Year’s Concert, will guide the audience through a curated journey across the jewels of French musical heritage. The program traces the expressive voices of Debussy, Ravel, Fauré, Saint-Saëns, Chaminade, and Holmès, weaving together atmospheres of moonlit skies, nocturnal landscapes, and intimate piano textures that reveal the country’s rich chamber music lineage. This narrative frame elevates the recital into a storytelling experience, where every piece invites listeners to linger and feel the era’s enduring beauty.
Essence duo began touring in 2017, presenting a series of recitals organized by the Alicante Concert Society Foundation. Their appearances have graced events such as Lillo Cánovas International Music Week and the ADDA festival, building a reputation for poised dialog between flute and piano and a warm stage presence that resonates with diverse audiences.
Isabel Gualda holds a Master of Arts in Music Performance from the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana in Lugano and has performed with the International Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra in Switzerland. Victoria Marco brings years of study and teaching experience to the partnership, serving as a professor at the Alicante Superior Conservatory and contributing as a pivotal figure within the Alicante Chamber Music Association. The ensemble’s synergy reflects a shared dedication to chamber music as a living, communicative art form.
Throughout the evening, Martín Llade will administer and deliver the program, offering insightful narration and commentary on the music as it unfolds. He is a prominent radio broadcaster, responsible for presenting and interpreting classical programming on Classic Radio RNE and RTVE, including coverage of the Vienna New Year Concert. His guidance enhances the experience, helping listeners connect the romantic lilt of the repertoire with contemporary listening sensibilities.
Admission is by venue capacity and offered courtesy of the French Consulate, aligning with Francophone Week celebrations. This event invites both curious beginners and seasoned concertgoers to immerse themselves in a uniquely French musical dialogue, performed in a setting that fosters attentive listening and shared appreciation. For attendees in Canada and the United States, the program offers a vivid window into Europe’s expressive soundscape, inviting reflections on how concert repertoires travel across borders and time.