This week, media highlighted the news that James Gaffigan will assume the role of Music Director at Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía effective as of September 1, 2021.
Nicolas Quiroga from Opera Wire states: “[Gaffigan] will take up his new position starting during the 2021-22 season and will remain as music director for four more seasons. ‘I hope to preserve the great Opera, explore a more diverse repertoire, great concerts in Valencia and its region. The institution has always had high standards. I am in awe of the amount of talent within the institution. It is an honor and a privilege, to take on the position of Music Director,’ said Gaffigan.”
The Violin Channel announced the news on their homepage. The site writes: “The American conductor will be directing two opera productions and two symphonic programs each season across the next four years with the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana, the opera house’s resident orchestra. ‘I look forward to preserving grand opera, exploring more diverse repertoire, great concerts in Valencia and its region, and trying to build an ever deeper relationship with the community,’ said Gaffigan.”
Norman Lebrecht from Slipped Disc describes the appointment as his “reign in Spain.” He writes: “His opening season will open with a staging of Mozart’s Requiem and end with Berg’s Wozzeck. Different.”
Nicholas Beard from Musical America states: “Palau de les Arts’ Artistic Director Jesus Iglesias Noriega pointed out that he and the conductor had previously worked together at the Dutch National Opera for a staging of Porgy and Bess, saying he ‘appreciated his qualities which gave me the trust to invite him to join the team at Palau de Les Arts.’ Gaffigan, meanwhile, called the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana ‘truly one of the best I have worked with.’ Those include the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and Staatskapelle Dresden, among others, as a guest.”
