Queen Doña Sofía attended one of the most prominent events of the 75th Granada International Music and Dance Festival this Friday. The evening featured the prestigious Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, conducted by maestro Zubin Mehta. During the concert's intermission, the Queen presented Mehta with the festival's Medal of Honor.
Upon her arrival at the Palace of Charles V, the Queen was welcomed by the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, and the mayor of Granada, Marifrán Carazo. She also greeted other authorities, including the Ambassador of India to Spain, Jayant N. Khobra, and the president of the Provincial Council of Granada, Francisco Rodríguez.
The presence of Queen Sofía, Honorary President of the festival for over half a century, underscores the significance of this Spanish cultural event. The concert was entirely dedicated to the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, featuring three of his late symphonies: No. 39, No. 40 in G minor, and No. 41, known as 'Jupiter'.
With this distinction, the organization has sought to recognize the conductor's extraordinary career, as well as his contribution to the dissemination of classical music and his close relationship with the people of Granada.
The Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino made its debut at the festival under the direction of Zubin Mehta, an influential figure in contemporary orchestral conducting. The presentation of the Medal of Honor occurred during an emotional moment in the concert's interval.
The concert is part of the special program commemorating the 75th anniversary of the festival, which runs until July 12th and includes over a hundred activities, 35 main concerts and performances, in addition to the FEX (Festival Extension) offerings and the traditional Manuel de Falla Courses.
Queen Sofía's schedule in Granada continues this Saturday with a charity flamenco gala benefiting the Queen Sofía Foundation at the Generalife Theatre, featuring the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía.
