Rachmaninov and Mahler, Conducted by Pablo González with Pianist Juan Floristán
The Vice-President of the Cabildo, Lope Afonso, and the Cultural, Museums and Sports Councillor José Carlos Acha, Attend the Rehearsal for his Premiere Concert as Guest Principal Conductor
The Tenerife Symphony Orchestra presents its second concert of the 2025–2026 season this Friday, 19th September, featuring a programme entitled Visionary Titans. Under the baton of Pablo González in his first concert as guest principal conductor, and with pianist Juan Floristán as soloist, the programme encapsulates a dialogue between two monumental works of the symphonic repertoire: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninov and Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 Titan.
The concert will take place at 19:30 in the Symphonic Hall of the Tenerife Auditorium. González describes this proposal as “a bridge between tradition and transformation: from the brilliant and nostalgic world of Rachmaninov to the expansive universe of Mahler, which strongly heralds the musical 20th century.”
The Vice-President of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Lope Afonso, and the Insular Councillor for Culture, Museums and Sports, José Carlos Acha, attended the orchestra’s rehearsal on Tuesday, accompanied by the Technical Director of the Insular Music Board, Daniel Broncano. Afonso emphasised “the significance of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra as a cultural ambassador for the island,” noting “the positive impact of the recent tour.” In this context, he highlighted “Pablo González’s appointment as an opportunity to reinforce the orchestra’s artistic positioning on both national and international stages.”
Meanwhile, Acha appreciated “Pablo González’s presence as the guiding thread of this season, which, due to his prestige and artistic excellence, re-establishes the Symphony Orchestra in the place it deserves, both within and beyond the Canary Islands.” The President of the Insular Music Board expressed gratitude for “the fidelity of the audience, who continue to support this programme with an excellent response since the first subscription concert.”
From Romanticism to the 20th Century
Pablo González has described this programme as “a blend of dazzling virtuosity and breathtaking lyricism.” Regarding Rachmaninov’s score, he noted “the confessional nature of his famous 18th variation, one of the most stirring pieces in the romantic repertoire.” Concerning Mahler’s work, the conductor remarked that “the First Symphony is a sonic monument where emotions run over and transform into musical landscapes, from the most intimate tenderness to the most grandiose exaltation.”
Both works reflect two unique and visionary perspectives on symphonic art, fitting perfectly with the season’s motto: Visionaries.
About the Key Figures
Pablo González, the new guest principal conductor of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, has previously held positions with the RTVE Symphony Orchestra and the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and National Orchestra of Catalonia. A winner of the Donatella Flick and Cadaqués conducting competitions, he has conducted complete cycles of Mahler, Beethoven, and Schumann, and is recognised for his theatrical sensitivity and commitment to contemporary music.
Juan Floristán, winner of the International Arthur Rubinstein Competition in Tel Aviv and the Paloma O’Shea Competition in Santander, has performed as a soloist in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Elbphilharmonie. He regularly collaborates with major European ensembles, and his repertoire includes over thirty concertos for piano and orchestra.
Tickets and Pre-Concert Experience
Tickets for the concert A2 Visionary Titans are available at www.sinfonicadetenerife.es, by phone, and at the box office of the Tenerife Auditorium (Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 17:00; Saturdays, from 10:00 to 14:00).
Additionally, the public can enjoy the Mirador Musical space, a brief informative meeting before the concert, taking place at 18:45 in the Auditorium’s Castillo Gallery, led by the Technical Director of the Board, Daniel Broncano.
