The Orquesta de Extremadura (OEx) has officially opened its 2026-2027 season, presenting a series of eight concerts at the Palacio de Congresos in Mérida. The inaugural concert will take place this Friday, October 9, under the direction of guest conductor Jaume Santonja and featuring violinist Ana María Valderrama.
Antonio Vélez, the delegate for culture, emphasized the importance of the orchestra's return, stating, "Having the Orquesta de Extremadura is an unbeatable proposal; with such a varied and high-level program, it is highly recommended for all citizens, regardless of their musical knowledge."
José Luis Gil Soto, the Secretary General of Culture for the Junta de Extremadura, remarked on the orchestra's role in cultural dissemination, noting, "We are fortunate to have an orchestra that is not newly formed but rather the result of many years of work by musicians and conductors, and wherever it goes, it serves as a magnificent ambassador for Extremadura's culture."
The season's theme, "Relatos" (Stories), aims to highlight the narratives that shape societies and aspirations. Hae Won Oh, the orchestra's manager, stated, "We want to offer an interesting variety of musical proposals for all audiences, both for classical music enthusiasts and for newcomers to the orchestra."
The upcoming concerts will feature a mix of classical works, international soloists, world premieres, and collaborations with local groups. The repertoire for the opening concert includes Arriaga's Overture in D Major, Édouard Lalo's Spanish Symphony, and a selection from Smetana's symphonic poems, My Country.
Notable performances this season include the debut of Finnish conductor Anna-Maria Helsing alongside young Spanish pianist Martín García García, who will perform Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 on December 4. The New Year's Concert on January 2 will be conducted by Jhoana Sierraalta, focusing on festive classical works.
Roberto Forés, the OEx's principal conductor, will lead two significant concerts on January 15 and March 18. The first will feature flautist Jessica Crutzen performing two Vivaldi concertos, alongside pieces by Mozart and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 3. The second concert, titled Romantic Serenades, will showcase chamber works by Dvořák, Verdi, and Brahms.
On April 16, guest conductor Álvaro Albiach will return with soprano Berna Perles, performing Leonora's aria from Fidelio and Beethoven's Ah! perfido, along with Weber's overture and Brahms' Symphony No. 1. In May, a special concert will be held with the vocal group Furriones, directed by Raúl Miguel Rodríguez, featuring orchestral arrangements by Salvador Rojo and Miguel Sánchez Cuevas. The season will conclude on May 28 with the program Final Chapter, conducted by Roberto Forés, which will include works by Spanish composer Óscar Colomina, Dvořák's Cello Concerto, and Prokófiev's Symphony No. 6.
In addition to the concert series, the Orquesta de Extremadura will enhance its educational outreach in Mérida with morning concerts for schoolchildren. Tickets can be purchased individually or as a full subscription through the orchestra's online box office and official website, with subscription prices starting at 72 euros and reduced rates available for retirees, unemployed individuals, university students, and music conservatory students.
