Laura Peribañez Artero on honouring Pablo Casals' legacy of cultural collaboration

Pablo Casals was an exceptional artist who left a lasting impact on the art and society of the last century, not only as a cellist but also as a conductor, pedagogue and humanist. In commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of his death, I will join forces with the Barcelona Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) for a concert at Cadogan Hall on 5 October. A unique opportunity for Londoners to witness the vibrant young musicians of the BYSO under the direction of Carlos Checa, I am thrilled and deeply honoured to organise this special concert and offer audiences the chance to learn about Casals’ extraordinary life.

To honour Casals’ musical legacy, this concert will present a programme including works by Brahms, Casals and Enrique Granados, a close friend of Casals. I am delighted to take the stage alongside BYSO as a soloist performing in Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and El Cant dels Ocells (Song of the Birds).

Laura Peribañez Artero: 'I am delighted to take the stage alongside BYSO as a soloist' ©Kirill Kozlov

Casals had a close connection with the UK, so this event is particularly meaningful to me as a Catalan musician now living and performing in London. I’m also pleased to continue his legacy as a role model for generations of musicians with my own work encouraging other young Spanish musicians to come and perform in the UK. At the heart of this project lies our desire as performers to strengthen the cultural ties between the UK and Spain while highlighting the educational values and commitment to peace and human rights that were so important to Pablo Casals.

Casals first set foot in the UK in 1899, following an invitation from the renowned singer Emma Nevada. He was introduced to London's high society and even had the privilege of meeting and performing for Queen Victoria, who was deeply impressed by his artistry and presented him with several gifts. He made his solo debut at the Crystal Palace performing Saint-Saëns’ concerto under the baton of German-born British conductor Sir August Manns.

This marked the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with British society, musicians, and audiences which saw him regularly visit the UK to perform, record and conduct. He frequented London venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Wigmore Hall and collaborated with British musicians including Frank Bridge, Sir Donald Francis Tovey and Sir Adrian Boult. As well as performing with and conducting major British orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the LSO, Casals is well-known for bringing the magnificent Bach Cello Suites to life. The first cellist to ever record these works, Casals chose Abbey Road Studios in London for the first part of this historic recording, which took place in November 1936 amidst the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War.

It's an honour to be a part of a project continuing Casals’ legacy as he has always been a role model for me – in life and in music. I spent my childhood summers going to his summer house at El Vendrell, spending hours at the museum, and attending concerts at the Pau Casals Auditorium. My close association with Casals and his legacy persisted throughout my education, and I began my masters at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels where he spent a brief period in 1895.

In celebrating Casal’s legacy, I will have the opportunity to showcase some of my cultural heritage in the London music scene. I am grateful to the institutions that have offered their support in bringing this initiative to fruition. These include the Spanish Embassy in the UK, the Delegation of the Catalan Government, the Cervantes Institute and NPro, among other invaluable collaborators. The concert will be an extraordinary opportunity to foster this unity among nations as well as to celebrate Spain’s new generations of talented musicians.

The BYSO is committed to enhancing the social and cultural value of Barcelona. 

The BYSO members are eagerly looking forward to their first international tour and are well aware of the importance of this valuable message. Jana Ginesta, an oboe player, summed up the young musicians’ reaction: ‘The magic of leaving our country, the anticipation of connecting with audiences from diverse cultures and traditions. It's a challenge that prepares us for our careers as professional musicians! Performing Casals' music in the United Kingdom symbolizes our cultural identity, and for young musicians like us, it's a tremendous honour and a source of great pride.’

The tour will also be an invaluable opportunity for artistic and professional growth for these young musicians. During my own years of study, opportunities to perform abroad were pivotal in nurturing my passion for music and its societal influence. As musicians we have the power to communicate, interact, nurture social relations, and make a cultural impact in our society. London’s vibrant music scene offers the best platform to connect with like-minded musicians and has allowed me to develop new performance opportunities and projects that I am passionate about.

Established in 2015, BYSO provides complimentary musical training to young musicians and a stable season of symphonic performances at Barcelona’s Palau de la Música during which they can hone their skills in a professional setting. The orchestra's commitment to enhancing the social and cultural value of the city is evident in its diverse membership, consisting of individuals from various backgrounds and nationalities. Many of BYSO’s concerts are held for the benefit of institutions such as Hospital St Joan de Déu, Banc dels Aliments (Food Bank), or Cáritas, reflecting their dedication to social causes.

In the case of the Calals-focused programme we will bring to London this week, after an additional concert at Lady of Hal Church in Camden (6 October), we will also present concerts at Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona and l’Atlàntida de Vic, with proceeds donated to AFAB (a Barcelona-based association for relatives of those living with Alzheimer and Dementia) and Associació TEA/Asperger Osona.