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Live music returned to the stage at Ronda’s Vicente Espinel Theatre last Saturday. Because of the current Covid-19 restrictions, the concert was held at lunchtime. Paul Whitelock and the Meter Maid went along and enjoyed an absolute treat.
The recital was performed by Trío de la Ruta Musical and consisted of 12 pieces ranging from classical works from around the world, as well as more modern items, including from Sting and Celtic-Nordic band Secret Garden.
Ruta Musical is a group of 11 street musicians who are officially permitted by Ronda Council to perform in eight prime locations around Ronda. The idea is that their music will enhance the backdrop of the location, several of which overlook El Tajo, Ronda’s emblematic gorge.
For this recital, three members of the group, Leticia Prados from Ronda on harp, Muscovite Olga Sollogoub on violin and Gennady Novikov (Eugen) from Minsk in Belarus on guitar and keyboards, put together a fascinating and varied programme of music by, among others, Tárrega, Granados, Elgar, Shostakovich and Bohm. Other composers included Welshman Karl Jenkins, Ronda-born Lucía Rivero, the harpist and group member Leticia Prados and the aforementioned Sting and Rolf Lovland and Brendan Graham of Secret Garden.
By mixing up the combinations, sometimes a trio, then a duo and also solo performances the 80 or so socially-distanced members of the audience were treated to a musical escape from the troubles of the world outside the theatre walls. Several pieces were enhanced by Leticia’s beautiful and pure soprano voice. There was also a guest appearance by Basque cellist Erwin Grafe.
Before the final number, You Raise Me Up, the optimistic hit record by Secret Garden, Leticia, who also acted as Emcee throughout the show, thanked Ronda Council for their support and informed the audience that today was Día de los tres cincos (the day of the three fives). It was December 5; it was the fifth anniversary of the formation of Ruta Musical de Ronda; and their CDs, normally 10€ each, had been reduced to 5€ and were on sale in the foyer! Needless to say I bought four of the five on offer. I already had the fifth, having bought it from Eugen many years ago when I came across him playing in the Plaza María Auxiliadora off Calle Tenorio.
Lasting just an hour, the tickets were free-of-charge, which left us enough time and money for a delicious lunch afterwards at Restaurante Las Maravillas on Calle la Bola.
Programme of live performances at the Vicente Espinel Theatre in Ronda in December:
5 December Trío de La Ruta Musical 12.00 free
6 & 20 December “Ronda suena a Navidad” – La Marimorena 12.00 free
11 December “La principita” Teatro Infantil y Familiar 16:30 3 €
12 and 19 December “Ven a mi casa esta Navidad” – La Marimorena 12.00 free
Please note: Because of the reduced capacity of the theatre, all tickets must be booked in advance either at www.giglon.com or at the Casa de La Cultura in Ronda.
