Latin Fire Guitar Virtuosity French Impressionism

Nordby Church, Fanø. Tuesday 18th August 2026 at 7.30 pm

SINGLE TICKETS

All-inclusive Festival Ticket KR. 700,-

Latin Fire Guitar Virtuosity French Impressionism

Paquito D’Rivera (1948–): Aires Tropicales for Wind Quintet
I. Alborada
II. Son
III. Habanera
IV. Vals Venezolano
V. Dizzyness
VI. Afro
VII. Contradanza

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895–1968): Capriccio Diabolico, Op. 85 for Solo Guitar

Maurice Ravel (1875–1937): String Quartet in F major, M. 35
I. Allegro moderato – Très doux
II. Assez vif – Très rythmé
III. Très lent
IV. Vif et agité

Kerstin Theile, flute · David Daniel Dinu, oboe · Ron Chen-Zion, clarinet · Sofia Obando, bassoon  · Joke Wijma, horn · Jonas Egholm, guitar · Juliette Roos, violin · Joel Bardolet, violin · Michel Camille, viola · Pau Codina, cello 

The eighteenth concert of Klassisk Sommer Festival 2026, Latin Fire Guitar Virtuosity French Impressionism, brings together three strikingly different musical worlds united by colour, imagination, and expressive brilliance. From the vibrant rhythms of Latin America to the dazzling possibilities of the classical guitar and the shimmering soundscapes of French Impressionism, the programme offers a journey through some of the most distinctive musical voices of the twentieth century.

The concert opens with Paquito D’Rivera’s Aires Tropicales, one of the most popular works in the wind quintet repertoire. Born in Cuba and celebrated internationally as a virtuoso clarinettist, saxophonist, and composer, D’Rivera combines classical craftsmanship with the infectious rhythms and energy of Latin American music. The seven movements – from the exuberant Alborada and lyrical Habanera to the jazz-infused brilliance of Dizzyness, the powerful Afro, and the playful Contradanza – create a vivid musical panorama of Latin American cultures and traditions. Each movement presents a distinct character while showcasing the virtuosity and individuality of every member of the wind quintet.

At the heart of Latin Fire Guitar Virtuosity French Impressionism stands Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Capriccio Diabolico, one of the most celebrated works ever written for solo guitar. Composed in homage to Niccolò Paganini, the legendary violin virtuoso whose technical brilliance astonished nineteenth-century audiences, the work pushes the guitar to its expressive and technical limits. Rapid passagework, dramatic contrasts, lyrical episodes, and dazzling displays of virtuosity combine to create a work of theatrical flair and irresistible energy.

The performance is given by Jonas Egholm, one of Denmark’s leading classical guitarists. Widely admired for the refinement of his playing and the breadth of his musical imagination, Egholm brings both technical mastery and expressive depth to this demanding masterpiece. Through Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s vivid writing, audiences encounter the guitar not only as an intimate instrument but also as a vehicle for dramatic storytelling and virtuosic display.

The second half of the programme is devoted to Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in F major, one of the crowning achievements of French chamber music. Written when the composer was still in his twenties, the quartet already displays the qualities that would make Ravel one of the most distinctive musical voices of the twentieth century. Rich harmonic colours, subtle textures, rhythmic sophistication, and extraordinary craftsmanship combine to create a work of remarkable originality and beauty.

Although Ravel admired the music of Debussy, his quartet speaks with an unmistakably personal voice. The opening movement unfolds with elegance and warmth, while the energetic scherzo introduces exotic colours and rhythmic vitality. The slow movement creates an atmosphere of profound stillness and introspection before the exhilarating finale brings the work to a brilliant conclusion.

At the centre of Latin Fire Guitar Virtuosity French Impressionism lies a celebration of colour itself. D’Rivera paints with rhythm and dance, Castelnuovo-Tedesco explores the expressive possibilities of the guitar, and Ravel transforms the string quartet into an instrument of almost orchestral richness. Despite their different cultural backgrounds, all three composers share a fascination with timbre, atmosphere, and musical imagination.

Presented in the beautiful surroundings of Nordby Church on Fanø, Latin Fire Guitar Virtuosity French Impressionism offers audiences an evening of extraordinary contrasts and discoveries. From Cuban-inspired rhythms and guitar fireworks to the shimmering elegance of French Impressionism, the concert showcases the remarkable diversity of chamber music and the artistry of an outstanding international ensemble.

Venue: Nordby Church, Fanø