The El Classical Laguna Experience: A Unique Festival Celebrating Canary and Latin American Classical Music

The El Classical Laguna Experience Festival is set to take place in Tenerife, Lanzarote, and La Gomera during the months of September and October 2025.

This morning, a press conference was held at the Teatro Leal in La Laguna to announce the details of the upcoming festival. The event, organized by Vector de Ideas, aims to create a cultural connection between the Canary Islands and Latin America, showcasing the rich musical heritage shared by these regions. This year, the festival will honor Venezuela, emphasizing the historical ties that exist between the Canary Islands and the South American nation.

Festival Programming and Highlights

The festival’s programming in La Laguna promises to embody the spirit of cultural exchange. The opening performance will feature the Camerata Lacunensis, a prestigious choral group recognized not only in the Canary Islands but also internationally. Their artistic excellence and dedication to the works of Canary and Latin American composers make them a fitting representative of the festival’s mission.

In celebration of its Venezuelan theme, the festival will include a special segment dedicated to beloved classics that resonate with the collective memory of the audience. Fabiola Socas, a prominent singer, will present a program that intertwines genres such as bolero and cumbia with the cultural legacy of the Canary Islands, highlighting songs that reflect the migratory experiences of those who moved to Venezuela.

Additionally, the Camerata Magec, a youthful ensemble from Gran Canaria, will showcase a repertoire that includes works by both Canary and Latin American composers, promoting music that is increasingly gaining recognition on the global stage.

Spotlight on the Classical Laguna Experience Orchestra

A key feature of the festival is the performance by the Classical Laguna Experience Orchestra (CLEO), which is anticipated to be a highlight of the 2025 edition. The orchestra will present a diverse repertoire that combines works from both the Canary Islands and Latin America. Notably, the concert will include the world premiere of “Phase,” a composition by Irene Fariña that has been commissioned specifically for the festival. This initiative underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering new compositions from artists in both regions, thereby enriching the musical landscape.

The premiere will be recorded alongside another significant piece, “La leyenda del noble caballero,” composed by José Elizondo from Mexico.

Featured Artists and Performers

The festival will also showcase an impressive lineup of performers. Venezuelan conductor Glass Marcano will make her debut as the guest conductor, reflecting the festival’s dedication to promoting women’s contributions in music. Her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to conducting an orchestra in Paris has garnered attention from major media outlets, including the BBC.

Joining her will be Venezuelan violinist Aléxis Cárdenas, who is celebrated as one of the most talented musicians in Latin America and currently serves as the concertmaster of the Orchestre National Île-de-France in Paris. The orchestra will also feature Jesús “Pingüino” González, a well-known figure in Venezuelan cuatro music, and Canary flautist Cristian Suárez.

Events Across the Archipelago

The festival’s reach extends beyond La Laguna, with events scheduled in Lanzarote and La Gomera. In Lanzarote, performances will take place on September 22 and 24, featuring Alexander Álvarez in a presentation titled “The Guitar: A Universe of Possibilities,” as well as Duo Roma, who will perform “Classical Roots.” Both events are free and will begin at noon.

On October 4, the festivities will continue at the Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz in Lanzarote, where the Néstor Trio will present their piece “Echoes of the Sounding Atlantic” at 8:00 PM, also with free admission.

Key points

• The El Classical Laguna Experience Festival will occur in Tenerife, Lanzarote, and La Gomera from September to October 2025.
• The festival aims to connect the Canary Islands and Latin America through music.
• This year, Venezuela will be honored as the guest of honor.
• The Camerata Lacunensis will open the festival with a performance of choral music.
• The Classical Laguna Experience Orchestra will premiere a new composition by Irene Fariña.
• Glass Marcano will debut as the principal guest conductor.
• Free events will be held in Lanzarote, featuring various artists and ensembles.