Marcus Hartmann Makes His Conducting Debut in Alicante: "Enduring Summer Without Classical Music is Impossible"

Marcus Hartmann, the esteemed German conductor, arrives in Alicante to lead the Virtuós Mediterrani chamber orchestra for the first time in a morning and summer concert with charitable aims.

Thus, the baton changes hands. Gerardo Estrada, the principal conductor of Virtuós Mediterrani, hands over the podium to Hartmann in a gesture of reciprocity. The German had previously invited Estrada to conduct a concert in Wangen, where funds were also raised for musical groups affected by the storm.

"I saw what happened on television and it seemed horrible," Hartmann recalls. "We have solidarity with our colleagues, and when we can help, we do," he downplays his initiative.

The friendship between the two musicians dates back years, when they were introduced by pianist Petra Kiss, a soloist invited by the orchestra in its previous season. Since then, they have collaborated on several occasions, but this will be the German's debut leading an orchestra in Alicante.

"I am very happy to be here, to see the colour and life of the city," Hartmann confessed, also surprised by "the energy of Virtuós Mediterrani and the quality of its soloists." Far from being daunted by the Alicante heat, he assures with a laugh that "I am electricity and the heat gives me more energy." Moreover, "enduring summer without classical music is impossible."

Regarding the repertoire, Hartmann and Estrada have worked together. "The classical period suits Marcus very well, because that's where he comes from," explains the principal of Virtuós Mediterrani. The programme includes pieces by Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Antonio Salieri. "We take advantage of the fact that Haydn fits with Mozart, and we include Salieri because, according to popular wisdom, they were enemies."

The event will take place this Sunday, 6th July at 12 noon in the Imperial Hall of the Royal Liceo Casino of Alicante. The proceeds will be entirely donated to the 'Super Niños' project of the Rotary Club Costa Blanca, which supports child cancer patients.