The Bilbao Symphony Orchestra (BOS) has paid a heartfelt tribute to pianist Joaquín Achúcarro, acknowledging his long artistic career and close relationship with the ensemble. During the emotional event, Achúcarro recalled his first performance with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra at the age of 13, on May 20, 1946, at the Sociedad Filarmónica. He stated that this moment was so significant that it made him decide to become a pianist.
As part of the tribute, the general director of the BOS, Iñigo Alberdi, announced that the orchestra's new Steinway & Sons piano, acquired for 200,000 euros thanks to a donation from the BBK Foundation, will bear the name of Joaquín Achúcarro. This gesture symbolizes the profound connection between the pianist and the orchestra, forged over eight decades.
“"We want to tell you that you are very important to us and that we love you very much in this house. These 80 years together have been built on daily gestures, which build all of us as people and as a cultural project."
For her part, the Deputy of Culture and President of the BOS Foundation, Leixuri Arrizabalaga, described Achúcarro's relationship with the orchestra as “a long, solid, and memorable trajectory.” She emphasized that this relationship has been built with time, respect, and love for music, adding that naming the new piano celebrates the maestro's contribution to Bizkaia's cultural landscape and his work in bringing music to thousands of people.
Borja Pujol, technical director of the Bilbao orchestra, also highlighted the human and professional facets of the maestro, who has performed 76 public concerts with the symphony orchestra, in addition to his solo performances. The event concluded with the pianist's interpretation of four pieces, where he managed to convey the intimacy he exudes in his concerts, making the piano seem to “speak.” He performed works by his favorite composers such as Bach, Brahms, and Chopin.
Despite being 93 years old, Achúcarro continues to exude passion for music. His triumph in the Liverpool Competition in 1959 launched him into the world of international concerts, performing in 61 countries, with over 237 orchestras, and under the direction of more than 400 conductors. The pianist emphasizes the importance of continuing to study every day, as discipline and effort are fundamental in the world of music.
