Remembering the pianist from Tarragona, Carme Flexas

The Espluga de FrancolíThe Carulla Font Auditorium at the Casal de la Espluga de Francolí hosted a warm tribute to pianist and pedagogue Carme Flexas Escoda on November 9th. Born in Tarragona in 1925, she began her piano studies at the age of five. After the war, she went to study at the Liceu Conservatory, where she won first prize in piano at the end of her studies, and in 1942 she made her debut as a concert pianist at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.

In 1949, Flexas's career took a significant and definitive turn when he came into contact with the maestro Frank Marshall, a successor to the Enric Granados school, and his student Alicia de Larrocha. He worked with renowned singers such as Conxita Badia, Concepció Callau, and a young Montserrat Caballé. He also collaborated with the composer Frederic Mompou and the great cellist Gaspar Cassadó, with whom he gave numerous concerts. He enjoyed a highly acclaimed career that took him to perform throughout Spain and abroad, especially in France, Italy, and Belgium. He also made recordings for Spanish Television (TVE), Spanish National Radio (RNE), and Belgian radio and television.

In 1950 she joined the Tarragona Musical Institute, which later became the Professional Music Conservatory of the Tarragona Provincial Council, where she carried out a great pedagogical work for 30 years, as a tenured professor of the advanced courses in piano and chamber music, and also served as deputy director of the institution for a period.

In 1978, she accepted the directorship of the Casal de Espluga de Francolí Music School, a newly established music school founded by Lluís Carulla and Josep M. Vallès. It was the first of its kind in the region, and she was able to develop her own musical education project, drawing on her years of experience, until 1990, when she stepped down. At the same time, she also taught piano at the Cervera Conservatory of Music, where she also provided teacher training.

Flexas died in Sant Pere de Ribes in 2005. A year later, posthumously, he was awarded the Diploma of Merit for Distinguished Services from the Tarragona City Council for his great musical career and the pedagogical work he carried out.

A tribute event with many participants

The tribute aimed to keep his memory alive and contribute to raising awareness of his life, work, and important pedagogical legacy. Several former students and friends participated, including Josep M. Vallès and Jordi Camell, who spoke about the most relevant aspects of his life and teaching methods. Musical performances were given by Jordi Camell, Àngel Òdena, Cecilia Serra, Josep M. Raja, Alfons Guiu, Núria Vallverdú, and the Espai Municipal School of Music.

The project to publish a biographical book about Carme Flexas was also presented to all attendees, for which a crowdfunding channel will be opened.

"I'm dedicated to music thanks to Carme Flexas"

The renowned baritone from Tarragona, Àngel Òdena, was a student of Carme Flexas at the Casal de l'Espluga Music School during his adolescence and remembers her fondly: "I dedicate myself to music thanks to her." Òdena highlights her high musical quality and the advanced techniques she used for her time in music teaching: "She was a revolutionary and founded a school of thought. She was dedicated solely to music."

"Carme is largely unknown despite her impressive career. If she didn't achieve greater success, it was because she was a woman in the post-war era and due to her family circumstances. The city of Tarragona owes her a tribute," concludes the singer from Tarragona, who emphasizes the emotional nature of the recognition ceremony in Espluga.