ONCA Season Opener Draws Modest Crowd at Andorra Constitution Concert

The event "Constitució: convivència i projecte compartit" received a modest reception at the Auditori Nacional on Friday, 13 March, failing to fill the auditorium despite its significance.

Held on the eve of Constitution Day, the concert marked the season opener for the Orquestra Nacional del Consell d'Andorra (ONCA) under its new artistic direction by Joan Anton Rechi. Weather played a role in subdued attendance, with lengthening days bringing sunshine but also cold and changeable conditions, alongside uncertainty over business closures dampening weekend outings.

Audiences enjoyed a live performance blending the ONCA's string section with an demanding, intimate repertoire suited to challenging times. The programme featured works by Arvo Pärt, Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Barber, and Britten—composers whose music offered solace amid global conflicts.

Guest conductor Antonio Planellas Gallego, the second batuta invited by Rechi, drew a strong performance from the ensemble, much like Josep Caballé had in a recent ClàssicAnd presentation. That earlier event included a dynamic first half previewing the festival and a second devoted to Falla's *El amor brujo*, sung by Carmen Linares.

Reviewers praised the orchestra's potential and urged Andorrans to embrace it without prejudice, filling seats to foster growth alongside the musicians. The Auditori's acoustics and intimacy, they noted, make it a world-class venue, encouraging residents to show patriotism by attending future concerts in the new season.