CCM Philharmonia presents "¡Si, se habla español!" concert on March 29

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Philharmonia takes the stage with an exciting program of all Spanish-inspired music on Friday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in CCM’s Corbett Auditorium. Led by CCM Director of Orchestral Studies Mark Gibson, the concert features works by Ruperto Chapí, Maurice Ravel, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Manuel de Falla; tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

The concert opens with the Preludio to Ruperto Chapì’s La Revoltosa. A child prodigy, Chapì quickly rose from his humble beginnings to one of Spain’s most popular composers. Most known for his zarzuela, a form of comic opera, La Revoltosa has remained a fan favorite for over a century. The sparkling orchestral prelude previews the later musical themes, setting the stage for the hilarious Much Ado About Nothing-style plot.

Following short Preludio, the Philharmonia presents Maurice Ravel’s rousing Rapsodie Espagnole, a long-time orchestral standard. Comprised of four brief movements, this lush orchestral work was originally conceived as a piece for two pianos. The original Habanera was joined by a Prélude, Malagueña and Feria to achieve the compositions final form. One of Ravel’s first major works for orchestra, Rapsodie Espagnole reflects the composer’s Spanish ancestral heritage, as do several other of his works from around the same time.      

Audiences are sure to recognize the next piece on the concert, though it might not be from the concert hall. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Español has been widely used in pop culture, and has been excerpted in movies, television and even a Pizza Hut commercial. Written in 1887, Rimsky-Korsakov drew inspiration for this five-movement work from the music of Asturias, a region of northern Spain. Though Rimsky-Korsakov originally intended for this piece to be a violin concerto, he pivoted instead to highlight the many diverse timbres of the orchestra, with soloistic lines featuring the woodwinds, brass and strings. Capriccio Español also includes extensive percussion parts, and utilizes many fascinating extended techniques.  

Rounding out the evening’s program is Manuel de Falla’s beloved ballet El Sombrero de Tres Picos (The Three Cornered Hat). Based on Pedro Antonio de Alarcón’s novella of the same title, the ballet premiered in 1919. Commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev, the infamous impresario of Ballets Russe, this impressive work was created through the collaboration of many notable artists, including choreographer Léonide Massine and designer Pablo Picasso. Using Andalucian folk music from his native Spain, De Falla perfectly portrays the humorous and lighthearted tale.  

“This is going to be a very entertaining concert,” says Gibson, describing how the program is “designed to showcase our outstanding students.”

This is one concert you certainly don’t want to miss! Get your tickets now through the CCM Box Office!

• CHAPÌ: Preludio de "La Revoltosa" (1897)
• RAVEL: Rapsodie Espagnole
• RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Capriccio Español
• DE FALLA: El Sombrero de Tres Picos (1919)

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 29

Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village 
University of Cincinnati

Tickets: $19.50 adult, $15 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

 Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier. Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts 

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations will become cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view CCM's full schedule of fall major events at ccm.uc.edu/onstage. 

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All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit ccm.uc.edu/onstage. 

Featured image at the top: Mark Gibson conducts the CCM Philharmonia on stage in Corbett Auditorium.