Albert Gumí Bows Out as ONCA Director with Festive Paris-Vienna Concert

Albert Gumí conducted his final concert as artistic director of the Orquestra Nacional Clàssica d'Andorra (ONCA) on Thursday, leading the New Year's *París-Viena* programme at the Centre de Congressos before a near-capacity crowd eager to usher in 2026.

The performance juxtaposed refined 19th-century French works by Bizet, Saint-Saëns, and Delibes—evoking Parisian luminosity and sensitivity—against Viennese waltzes, polkas, and marches from the Strauss family and Franz von Suppé. Gumí described it as a traditional offering suited to the festive occasion, avoiding bold experiments while introducing variety through the musical journey and a world premiere of his own *Vals del Valira*. He emphasized the intense focus required to direct amid holiday excitement, maintaining precise control over the ensemble.

Gumí, who took over from Gerard Claret in early 2020 amid the pandemic, ended nearly five years in the role by passing leadership to Andorran Joan Anton Rechi, a cultural manager he praised as ideal for the position. Gumí had long pushed for a local successor who lives in Andorra and can commit fully, viewing the shift as a role change rather than an end. Both Rechi and the board wish for Gumí to remain involved musically—his core passion—working closely on projects, though specifics are still being finalized. Ahead of the concert, Gumí reiterated his desire for ONCA to establish a stable concert cycle and expand internationally, goals he believes Rechi can advance.

Reflecting on his tenure, Gumí expressed satisfaction at fulfilling the board's mandate to root ONCA locally. Initiatives included partnerships with Andorran cultural groups, promotion of national musicians through the "Selecció Andorrana de Músics," and building a classical Andorran repertoire from scratch. He commissioned works, composed personally, revived and adapted older pieces, and archived them for public access. Highlights encompassed cross-genre collaborations with death metal band Persefone, funk group Hysteriofunk, and Encamp's rock choir, alongside 12-13 years of Santa Cecília events engaging children. His most recent suite drew on parish symbols—Rossell's forge, Pessons lake, stone paths—involving 150 young participants. Under production lead Teresa Areny, efforts enhanced accessibility, forging stronger public connections and affirming ONCA's role as a national asset.

Looking ahead, Gumí plans to prioritize composition, following a recent opera premiere at Barcelona's Liceu and an upcoming one in Germany, while sustaining his ONCA ties.