Catalan composer Benet Casablancas has received the XX SGAE Tomás Luis de Victoria Ibero-American Music Prize. He will accept this significant honour on 26 May at the Sociedad General de Autores y Editores (SGAE) headquarters in Madrid. This prestigious award recognises his extensive contributions to musical culture and his mastery of composition.

Casablancas, born in Sabadell in 1959, expressed his delight at the recognition. "The best prize is that the music is played, but, obviously, I am very grateful for the awards," he stated. "And this one excites me a lot because the surprise was tremendous." He added, "Welcome it is. We will try to live up to it."

The award jury highlighted the "unquestionable quality of Benet Casablancas's work." They praised his ability to "aesthetically appeal to the listener's emotions" and his "mastery of orchestration." The jury also noted his academic merits and contributions to musical culture.

Barcelona Performances and Global Premieres

The year 2026 marks a busy period for Casablancas, with several key performances scheduled. In March, his Quadern de Haikus will premiere in the United States, specifically in San Francisco. April sees the debut of Albrícias y diferencias para órgano in Madrid, forming part of a tribute to Montserrat Torrent.

Barcelona residents can look forward to two significant events. On 6 June, the Franz Schubert Filharmonia and Stefan Dohr will perform his Concert for Horn and Orchestra No. 2 at the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana. Later, on 15 June, the Ateneu Barcelonès will host the premiere of Cal·ligrafies, a piece commissioned by violinist Anna Urbina.

A Composer's Philosophy on Musical Heritage

Casablancas also reflected on the importance of preserving musical heritage. "Think that when works are premiered, the heritage of the future is being built," he warned. He believes music only survives if it is performed. This year, he also became an academician of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.

The composer spoke about the influence of figures like Felip Pedrell, whom he called the "inventor of Spanish music known worldwide." Pedrell taught renowned composers such as Albéniz, Granados, and Falla. Casablancas also champions musical blending, drawing parallels with Viennese traditions.

Recalling the Teatre Lliure Chamber Orchestra

Casablancas shared memories of the Teatre Lliure Chamber Orchestra, a significant cultural force in Barcelona. This ensemble, created in 1985 by Josep Pons, Lluís Vidal, and Jaume Cortadellas, performed his Seven Scenes from Hamlet in 1989. Fabià Puigserver helped establish the orchestra to create a stable musical core at the Teatre Lliure.

He recalled a "brilliant" concert at the newly opened Palau de l'Agricultura on Montjuïc, the Teatre Lliure's new home. However, the orchestra later dissolved when Àlex Rigola took over the theatre's direction in the 2002-2003 season. Casablancas stated, "The Lliure orchestra was very important for the cultural pulse of the city, and everyone knows who destroyed it."

The orchestra featured "extraordinary musicians," including jazz players, who were very open to diverse styles. Casablancas noted their commitment to playing music they believed in. This spirit aligns with his own approach to composition, as recognised by the Tomás Luis de Victoria Prize jury.

International Recognition and Future Works

His work has gained international attention, including a "fabulous" recording of Seven Scenes from Hamlet with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 2008. This recording now features in the 2026 compilation album Casablancas. The essential collection. The album also includes works performed by the London Sinfonietta and the Quartet Casals.

Casablancas maintains a serious yet enthusiastic outlook on the future of music. He believes in intergenerational dialogue, citing the English approach to programming both established and new composers. "What fault is it of mine to be the oldest of the group?" he asked, championing intergenerational dialogue. "I can only respond to the awards in the best way I know, which is by making the best music I can," he affirmed.

The award ceremony in Madrid will feature a laudatio by musicologist Germán Gan. A concert will follow, with performances by pianist Juan Carlos Gravayo, clarinetist Joan Enric Lluna, and cellist Salvador Bolón. The programme includes Memorial Arraona, Estampas de Kwaidan, and the absolute premiere of In modo di Saeta. Haiku para Cañizares y Mariko. Casablancas anticipates a "beautiful" event.

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Originally published by Ara Cat. Read original article.