The poetic and emotional journey through Romantic period landscapes, will be the main point of the Concerto of Opening of the school year in Gandia
- UVGandia
- Marta Perez Ortiz
- October 14th, 2025

On Thursday 16 October, the International Centre of Gandia UV will celebrate the Concerto of Opening of the school year that will take place in Serrano Theatre of Gandia at 7:00 pm. The Philharmonic Orchestra of the UV, directed by Hilari Garcia will perform a repertoire of two of the greatest authors from romanticism: Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. The programme will be divided into two parts and will have the participation as a soloist of cellist Pau Cutanda Suñén.
The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Universitat de València (OFUV) goes back to Gandia to perform the Concerto of Opening of the school year 2025-2026. The Philarmonic Orchestra of the UV will perform a programme divided into two parts from the works of composers Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) and Piotr Ilitx Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). In the words of conductor, Hilari Garcia, “it will be the ocassion to be again with Safor’s audience, a loyal audience, with whom we share mutual understanding and beautiful moments of music”.
The entrance is free and does not requiere an invitation.
An appointment which Principal of UVGandia, Carme Melo, considers “very special as it enables to show the region the cultural potential of Universitat de València as well as the talent of our young musicians”.
Therefore, the OFUV has proposed a musical journey that will transport the audience to Scotland, travelling through Italy and Russia. This musical journey is similar to the vital and educational path that the young members of the orchestra, that this year celebrates its 30 anniversary, follow.
The first part of the programme started with one of the most famous overture by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), The herbrides (Fingal's Cave), Op. 26. The Orchestra played one of the main compositions of Piotr Ilitx Tchaikovsky (1840-1893),Variations on a Rococo Theme, which was acommpanied by talented and young soloist, cellist Pau Cutanda Suñén.
The concert will conclude with the second part of the programme, which goes back to Mendelssohn’s work, with his Symphony No. 4 in A major, 'Italian”, Op. 90. A composition inherited from classic tradition, which respects the original form and structures of composers such as Mozart or Beethoven. It has easily recognisable rythms related to musical tradition from southern Italy. The concerto will act as an initial contact with the audience and feelings before the Concerto of Opening of the school year 2025-2026 of the Universitat de València on 21 October at Palau de la Música of València.
Music of the Romantic period that evokes imaginary landscapes and emotions
With Felix Mendelssohn’s work as centre, the concerto provides a fascinating journey through his life and his inspirations. The overture The herbries Op. 26, also known as Fingal’s Cave, is a proof of Mendelssohn’s versatility to create ambiences. Inspired by a trip to the remote Scottish islands in 1829, this piece of art immerses us in a dramatic and foggy landscape, with the sound of the waves. This was reflected in the score, which evokes the power and wistfulness of the Scottish landscape.
Continuing his trip, the composers’ stay in Italy in 1830 with a grant is reflected with the luminous and vital Italian symphony. The piece, with its volatility and its catching rythm, is a faithful reflection of the Mediterranean passion that Mendelssohn experienced. It is a melody that captures the light of Naples and the energy of its traditional dances.
Lastly, the ellegance, simplicity and purity inspired by Mozart is the Rococo aesthethic, which Tchaikovsky recreates with lightness, grace and sophistication in his Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 for cello and orchestra.
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Categories: Centre Internacional de Gandía