The destiny of a concert season often hinges on how well a city embraces its orchestral heritage. In Madrid, the 2023/2024 orchestral cycle was unveiled at ADDA on Paseo de Campoamor, signaling a meticulous return to form for the RTVE Orchestra and Chorus. The new season carries the ambitious title Pasiones, and its premiere was introduced at the Teatro Monumental, inviting audiences to explore a repertoire that blends classic elegance with contemporary vitality. This is more than a schedule; it is a statement about national music culture and the pursuit of excellence in performance across the country. [Citation: RTVE archives]
The gala event, which streamed live on Play and was showcased on La 2, reminded viewers that the calendar still holds moments of anticipation. A notable change in leadership occurred when maestro Christoph König stepped in to replace Pablo González at the baton. This shift brought a fresh interpretive lens to a program that invites listeners to hear a sequence of revered masterpieces and bold new readings. Elena Horta guided the evening, drawing the audience into a concert that spans Beethoven, Mozart, Rodrigo, Elgar and many other giants of the orchestral and choral canon, along with several composers from beyond the traditional European central core. The concert featured arrangements by JF Padilla that reframe familiar works for a new sound world, inviting both longtime fans and curious newcomers to reassess their expectations of what a national broadcasting orchestra can deliver. [Citation: RTVE archives]
Yet the broader media landscape has shown uneven coverage. The RTVE Orchestra, proudly active since 1965, delivered a performance that deserved front-page attention in culture sections across national outlets. The undercurrent of critique underscores a continuing challenge in how regional and national media treat the richness of Canada and the United States cultural ecosystems alike, where varied orchestral programs compete for visibility and column inches. In a climate where cultural diversity is celebrated but not always showcased consistently, the ensemble’s mission remains to present a compelling, world-class program to wide audiences. [Citation: ADDA press notes]
As for ADDA’s Passions cycle, the commitment to Baroque sensibilities remains strong for many listeners who crave period-informed artistry. While some markets find premium access costly, the sense of opportunity persists for those who plan ahead. The calendar for 2024 already includes significant offerings, including a much-anticipated program dedicated to the passion of St. John of the Cross, which has become a required experience for enthusiasts of historical repertoire. The enduring appeal of Baroque and early-Romantic works sits alongside modern orchestrations that demonstrate how tradition can meet innovation in meaningful ways. [Citation: ADDA catalogue]