Plaza de la Constitución will transform into an open-air auditorium on Friday, August 28th, at 10:00 PM for the Extraordinary Fair Concert by the Orquesta Ciudad de Almería (OCAL). This event has become one of the most anticipated cultural highlights of the capital's patron saint festivities.
Titled ‘Gigantes’ (Giants), the show will feature the participation of the Granada-born tenor José Manuel Zapata. The OCAL will be conducted by Michael Thomas, with symphonic arrangements by the Almería-based composer and guitarist Juan Francisco Padilla.
The program offers a journey through iconic Spanish music songs that have resonated with generations. According to OCAL, the concert's uniqueness lies in its fresh interpretation of these works through Padilla's symphonic arrangements, which preserve the original essence while adding new nuances and sonic richness.
The direction of Michael Thomas, known for his extensive career, guarantees a high artistic level of performance. The Department of Culture, Education, and Traditions of the Almería City Council supports this quality musical proposal, which coincides with the OCAL's twenty-fifth anniversary.
José Manuel Zapata will not only perform the songs but also transform each into a story, engaging the audience with anecdotes and reflections on the works and their creators. The blend of music, education, humor, and emotion aims to create an accessible experience for diverse audiences.
The repertoire will pay tribute to composers such as Manuel Alejandro, Antonio Vega, Joan Manuel Serrat, Joaquín Sabina, Pablo Milanés, Silvio Rodríguez, Camilo Sesto, and Cacho Castaña, among others, while also referencing recent popular music. Emblematic songs like ‘El sitio de mi recreo’, ‘Quién fuera’, ‘Hay amores’, ‘Hoy puede ser un gran día’, ‘La quiero a morir’, ‘Y nos dieron las diez’, ‘Vivir así es morir de amor’, and ‘Cuando tú no estás’ will be reinterpreted by the symphony orchestra.
Tickets for this event, now a staple of the Almería summer, are available for 18 euros at almeriaculturaentradas.es and the municipal ticket office.
The Councilor for Culture, Diego Cruz, highlighted the work of the OCAL and its team, emphasizing their contribution to the concert's growth and its status as a highly anticipated event for both residents and visitors.
