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Two International Competitions Feature Works by Joaquín Rodrigo and a New Children's Book Shares His Inspirational Story

Sep. 28, 2024

Two International Competitions Feature Works by Joaquín Rodrigo and a New Children's Book Shares His Inspirational Story

Two international competitions featuring works by Joaquín Rodrigo were held in Spain this month and last. For the final round of the International Guitar Competition Francisco Tárrega in Benicàssim (Valencia), participants were required to play one of Joaquín Rodrigo’s guitar concertos -Concierto para una fiesta, Concierto de Aranjuez, or Fantasía para un gentilhombre.


Fantasía para un gentilhombre/Joaquín Rodrigo/Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería/Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, guitar/
José Luis Castillo, conductor

Additionally, one of the mandatory works in the semifinals of the International Violin Competition in Cullera (Valencia) was Rodrigo's virtuosic Set cançons valencianes for violin and piano.


"Tempo di Bolero" from Set cançons valencianes performed by Agustín León Ara, violin and Eugène de Canck, piano

In addition, a delightful new children's book, A Boy Who Made Music: The Extraordinary Life of Joaquín Rodrigo, was released by Oblique Angles Press in August. The picture book, authored by Karen A. Wyle and illustrated by Tomasz Mikutel, follows Joaquín's life from his carefree early childhood through his life-altering illness, his discovery of classical music, and his successful career and family life. The creators hope that Joaquín's story will inspire children to dream beyond the apparent limitations suggested by various circumstances in life. Additionally, the book even includes multiple activities and enrichment materials to enhance children's engagement with the story. 

Cecilia Rodrigo, Director of the Rodrigo Foundation calls A Boy Who Made Music: The Extraordinary Life of Joaquín Rodrigo a "Splendid contribution to increasing the awareness of Joaquin Rodrigo's unbelievable life . . . . The illustrations are beautiful, but above all, the text is most appropriate and true." 

Purchase a copy of the book in hardcover, paperback, or Kindle format here.

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