The pianist, harpsichordist, and conductor Dani Espasa (la Canonja, 1974) is one of the most knowledgeable and prolific musicians in Catalonia. In 2005 he founded the Vespres d’Arnadí orchestra, a group of top-level musicians dedicated to the performance of Baroque pieces with historical instruments and criteria, which performs continuously in theaters and auditoriums in our region. In recent years, the ensemble has undertaken a huge task of unearthing lost works of ancient music, some by Catalan composers, such as Domènec Tarradellas and Carles Baguer. They are now the resident ensemble of the Peralada Festival, and this Maundy Thursday, April 2, they will inaugurate the Easter edition with a version of Il Cristo condannato, by Antonio Caldara, composed in 1717 and unpublished in modern times. The work will be revived in the church of El Carme under Espasa's direction, with Montserrat Seró and Josep-Ramon Olivé among the soloists, and the participation of the Cor Francesc Valls.

To get the concerts of The harmonic inspiration by Vivaldi corresponding to the cycle of The Four Seasons That they sound like something new means many things. First, that the Venetian composer's pieces are timeless and allow for many readings and rereadings. And second, that for this to happen, talent, imagination, great technical ability, and a willingness to work are essential. This combination came together in Arnadí's Vísperas, once again under the enthusiastic leadership of Dani Espasa. And also, of course, with the prodigious performance of the soloist, violinist Farran Sylvan James.

With every reason and ample means, Barcelona-born soprano Serena Sáenz is one of our most international singers, with a well-developed future within a well-established and grounded present. She has demonstrated this here and abroad, with a versatility and stylistic flexibility that are the fruit of her talent, her rigorous work, and her innate musical intelligence.