Manuel Ramos later became Mestre de Capella of the Mysterio d’Elx. Facing the need for an accompanying instrumental ensemble, he began planning its creation. This led, in 1996, to the birth of the Valencian Baroque Orchestra, whose first headquarters was famously established in Istanbul. The Co-Cathedral of San Nicolás de Alicante hosted the orchestra’s debut as an independent ensemble, not merely a group for festival performances. On October 24, 1997, the program featured arias from Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni performed by tenor Antonio Gandía, baritone José Antonio López, and soprano Gloria Sánchez alongside Ruth Rosique.
Over the ensuing 25 years, Manuel Ramos, a native of Elche, directed the ensemble as it toured many cities and presented a broad repertoire from renowned classical masters. The program spanned Vivaldi, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Faure, with Spanish composers Turina and Fallas, and included Valencian writers like Romeu and Oscar Esplà. “Although the repertoire diversified over time,” notes the director and pianist, who has also been a member of the Cinema Academy and Valencia Music Academy.
Music brought performances to the National Auditorium in 2001 with a Mozart monograph; to the Duke of Madrid Central Count with Bach’s works; to the Church of Santa Catalina in Valencia for the Peralada Festival in 2007; and even beyond Spain, including a rendition of the Misteri at John Smith Square in London.
“The appearances at Peralada, London, and the National Auditorium stand as the most significant concerts in our history,” he confirms. “Another memorable moment came when we staged the Lady from Elche and performed three concerts there, as Altamira Palace was newly restored.”
He also led the Valencian Baroque Orchestra in the Vocal Group of the Cambra d’Elx and introduced the opera Dido and Aeneas by Purcell on the ADDA stage on May 12, 2012. A year later the ensemble joined the production of Serva Padrona by Pergolesi on the same stage. “We had to redesign the scenography because the rules at that time prohibited touching anything on stage or in the seating areas.”
Valencia Baroque Orchestra brings Misteri’s music to London
Twenty-five years into its existence, the ensemble had matured professionally, recording numerous CDs, including a Misteri arrangement of the 1709 Consueta. They sought to reinvigorate their career with a series of memorial concerts throughout the season. “We are presenting choral fantasies by Beethoven as the flagship of the event, featuring the University of Alicante Choir, a young pianist named Carlos Santos, and four or five soloists. There is a palpable sense of excitement,” says Manuel Ramos, who believes the supporters who sustained the ensemble over the years deserve credit for their continued success.
The conductor appears more engaged than ever in the Plaza de España, reflecting on his return to Misteri and his personal ties to the Festa’s historical roots through his great-grandparents. He expresses trust in the professional judgment of the jury and looks forward to continuing the artistic journey that began in Elche decades ago.