The Princess of Asturias Foundation

The Prince of Asturias Foundation Choir will perform, as is now traditional, Handel’s “Messiah” at Oviedo Cathedral alongside the Principality of Asturias Symphonic Orchestra.

The European Parliament distinguished the Choir with an extraordinary acknowledgement in 2007 for “their outstanding contribution to bolster European integration”.

2012 “Europe hails Christmas: The Messiah” concert. ©FPA

The Prince of Asturias Foundation Choir will perform Handel’s Messiah alongside the Principality of Asturias Symphonic Orchestra (OSPA) at 8:00pm this coming Friday, 20^th December at Oviedo Cathedral. This 28^th edition of the concert is to be conducted by Maestro Aarón Zapico. Admission will be free until all seats are taken.

Under the title “Europe Hails Christmas: The Messiah”, the soloists taking part will be Ana Quintans (soprano), José Hernández-Pastor (countertenor), Andrew Tortise (tenor) and Andreas Wolf (baritone).

The Messiah, a masterpiece of symphonic-choral music, has become the most renowned oratorio by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759). This piece for soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists, choir of four voices and orchestra, was composed between 22^nd August and 14^th September 1741, with libretto by Charles Jennens following the biblical text. The first public performance of The Messiah was held on 10^th April 1742, four days before its opening at Dublin’s William Neal Music Hall. The piece is divided into three parts that form the liturgical year, through the different stages in the life and death of Christ.

Aarón Zapico (Asturias, 1978) is one of the leading musicians in the field of historical interpretation and performs assiduously as a harpsichordist or conductor at festivals and concert halls. He currently teaches Harpsichord at the Advanced Conservatory of Music of the Principality of Asturias (CONSMUPA). Classically trained, after a gaining a brilliant degree in piano at the CONSMUPA, he specialized in the harpsichord and early music at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where he obtained his diploma as a soloist winning unanimous praise from the examining board. He has received classes from the most renowned world experts in historical interpretation.

Further information

The Choir

Tweets por @fpa

End of main content

Sección de utilidades

Fin de la sección de utilidades

PDF Accesible

Start of content