The open-air symphony concert planned to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Palacio Foral, which was cancelled last year due to rain threats, was successfully held yesterday. The Provincial Council of Bizkaia decided to recover this cultural event, albeit with some modifications.
Despite the weather forcing a shortened program, the event proceeded. The Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, the Coral Society of Bilbao, soprano Lorea López, and tenor Aitor Garitano fulfilled their commitment to the citizens of Bizkaia and the historic building.
The event, offering free admission until capacity was reached, brought together two of Bizkaia's most prominent musical institutions. It was described as a proposal "specifically designed to bring symphonic and choral music closer to all citizens in an open and central space."
The program featured a selection of significant works from the Basque lyrical heritage, including compositions by Jesús Guridi, Charles Colin, and José María Usandizaga. Attendees included the Deputy General, Elixabete Etxanobe, several provincial deputies, the Minister of Culture, Ibone Bengoetxea, and the Mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto.
The performance was impacted early on by rain, which compelled the symphony orchestra to leave the stage shortly after the recital began. However, the Coral Society and the two soloists continued their performance for the audience.
Around 10:00 PM, the symphony orchestra was able to return to the stage, but rain reappeared, leading to the premature end of the concert.
The director of the BOS, Iñigo Alberdi, addressed the attendees at the conclusion, thanking them for their presence and calling the event a "birthday gift" for the Palacio Foral's 125th anniversary.
