Elina Garanca's Recital Sells Out Ordino Auditorium, Launching Classicand Festival to Record Success

Mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca drew a full house at Ordino Auditorium on Friday night for the opening of the fourth Classicand festival, the first of three confirmed sell-outs.

Artistic director Joan Anton Rechi hailed the performance as a "luxury launch" for an edition poised for success. He anticipates overall occupancy reaching or exceeding 95%, improving on last year's 92% despite more tickets available this time. The other guaranteed full houses are Saturday's *Carmina Burana* at Parc Central and a show by Nacho Duato's company.

Garanca's intimate recital thrilled a packed audience eager to hear one of opera's top stars up close, Rechi said. "Having her here for such a recital, feeling that proximity with a full house, is a thrill and an adrenaline shot to start the festival—the luxury opening shot we wanted for an edition that promises a lot," he remarked.

Rechi noted a sharp uptick in ticket sales over recent days, attributing it to post-pandemic shifts where buyers decide later. This trend bodes well for remaining events, including Claudio Monteverdi's *Combattimento* on Sunday. Free offerings, such as *La Passió* at Casa de la Vall this weekend, have also seen strong interest.

Sunday's lineup faces stiffer sales due to travel hurdles for visitors from outside Andorra, though Rechi expects last-minute bookings to boost numbers. He foresees an even split between local and tourist attendees—around 50-50—compared to 60-40 last year. "Festivals must appeal to Andorrans and outsiders alike, attracting people from around the world while strengthening the local cultural sector," he said.

The festival continues until 7 June, with Saturday also featuring initial showings of *La Passió*. Rechi emphasised the event's growing stability and meticulous programming as keys to its appeal and audience loyalty.