Music, Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands holds numerous artistic and cultural events each year; music being the most important, especially during the winter months.

The (world famous) Canary Island Classical Music Festival and the The Opera Festival are held here. They’re widely recognised as two of the most important in Europe. The Island’s two main orchestras are the The Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra (OFGC) and the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra (OST).

These events take place in various locations throughout the islands including the: Guimera Theatre in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world have played at the classical musical festival; it attracts some of the finest musicians on the planet, like the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

Other famous artists that have played at the event include: Jorge Robaina, Gustavo Diaz Jerez and Ivan Martin.

In the past, many of the world's leading singers have performed at the Opera Festival. Artists like Carlos Alvarez, Aida Lukandin, Carlo Guelfí and Jose Sempere have all jumped at the chance to go on stage at such a prestigious event. Othere include: Agustín Prune, Giovanni Tarasconi, Imil Ivanov, Viktor Afanasenko and Aquiles Machado.

The standards of the performances are always incredibly high leaving the crowds begging for more.

There's also a spectacular light opera held every year in November. It's truly stunning - a bliliant combination of sound a light. It's an absolute must see. Previous performers have been: Enrique Baquerizo, Guadalupe Sanchez, Carlos Duran and Juan Lomba.