Olga Benito, harp

PROGRAMME

Frederic Alfonso: Suite en estil Antic / Jacques de la Presle: Le jardin mouillé / Frederic Mompou: Pessebres / Corentin Boissier: L’enfance de l’art / Marcel Grandjany: Fantasia on a theme by Haydn, Op. 31

The Harp Between France and Catalonia offers a musical journey that explores the richness of two musical traditions through the harp’s unique timbres and characteristics. The repertoire includes original Harp pieces as well as adaptations showcasing the great versatility. The programme opens with Frederic Alfonso's Suite in the Ancient Style 1928, dedicated to harpist and pedagogue Rosa Balcells, a pivotal figure in promoting the harp in 20th-century Catalonia. The programme then alternates between Catalan and French composers – from cornerstone works of the virtuoso repertoire like Jacques de la Presle’s Le Jardin Mouillé, to Frederic Mompou’s Pessebres with its contemplative, poetic atmosphere, through to expressive pieces by young French composer Corentin Boissier. His L’Enfance de l’Art explores diverse sonic and emotional landscapes. The program concludes with Fantasia on a theme by Haydn from Marcel Grandjany, one of the great names from harp of the 20th century.