New conductor for the closing concert of the 1st International Guitar Festival Budapest
Cuban artist Leo Brouwer has cancelled his European trip so he will not be able to take part in the festival organized in his honour. Instead, the closing concert of the programme will be conducted by Joan Pagès.
The MIDEM prize-winning composer cancelled his trip to Europe in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, meaning that the Cuban artist will also be unable to attend the 1st International Guitar Festival Budapest being staged between 4-6 December. The change does not affect the programme: Leo Brouwer remains at the heart of the three-day festival, as interpreted by artists of world renown such as Spanish guitarists Costas Cotsiolis and Ricardo Gallén. During the closing concert the place of the Cuban artist is taken by internationally recognized Spanish conductor-pianist Joan Pagès, who will conduct the Anima Musicae Chamber Orchestra.
Joan Pagès
Joan Pagès is a multifaceted conductor, being at home in historical performances but also regularly conducting contemporary works and film music. He was awarded diplomas in Spain, Detmold and Weimar, where he has also taught at the Liszt Ferenc College of Music since 2009. He regularly holds concerts both as pianist and conductor throughout Europe and Latin America, and he is associated with the world premieres of nearly 50 contemporary works. In 2006, he came second at the Luigi Mancinelli International Opera Conductor competition in Italy.
There are still a few tickets available for the three-day festival. Tickets can be purchased at the Liszt Academy box office and by following the links.