Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Casals Festival Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by the world-renowned cellist, conductor, and humanitarian, Pablo Casals. The orchestra is based in Puerto Rico and is composed of some of the most talented musicians from around the world. Pablo Casals was born in Catalonia, Spain in 1876 and began playing the cello at a young age. He quickly became recognized as a prodigy and began performing in public at the age of 13. Casals went on to become one of the most celebrated cellists of the 20th century, known for his virtuosic playing and his commitment to social justice. In 1956, Casals founded the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, which later became the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. He served as the orchestra's conductor until 1964, when he resigned in protest of the government's treatment of the orchestra and its musicians. In 2012, the Casals Festival Orchestra was founded as a tribute to Pablo Casals and his legacy. The orchestra's mission is to promote classical music and to inspire social change through music. The orchestra is composed of musicians from around the world, including Puerto Rico, the United States, Europe, and South America. The Casals Festival Orchestra has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The orchestra has also performed at numerous festivals, including the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Salzburg Festival. The orchestra's main members include conductor Jaime Martín, concertmaster Peter Hanson, and principal cellist Amit Peled. Jaime Martín is a Spanish conductor and flutist who has served as the principal flutist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Peter Hanson is a British violinist who has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Amit Peled is an Israeli-American cellist who has performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of the highlights of the Casals Festival Orchestra's performances was their 2015 concert at Carnegie Hall, which was dedicated to the memory of Pablo Casals. The concert featured works by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, as well as a new composition by the Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra. The concert was met with critical acclaim, with The New York Times calling it "a stirring tribute to a great musician and humanitarian." In 2017, the Casals Festival Orchestra performed at the Edinburgh International Festival, where they received a standing ovation for their performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. The orchestra was praised for their "passionate and powerful" interpretation of the work. The Casals Festival Orchestra has also received numerous awards and honors for their performances and their commitment to social justice. In 2016, the orchestra was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama for their "outstanding contributions to the arts and humanities." The orchestra has also been recognized for their work in promoting music education and for their support of organizations that work to promote social justice and equality. In conclusion, the Casals Festival Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 as a tribute to the legacy of Pablo Casals.

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