Summer Concerts at Bellver Castle: A Season Filled with Music
The regal walls, the imposing keep tower, the illuminated inner courtyard, and the Mallorcan summer nights bear witness, year after year, to the so-called "Estius Simfònics" (Symphonic Summers), featuring the Balearic Islands Symphony Orchestra. This year, for the first time, they will be joined by the Petita Simfònica, a project dedicated to children and young musicians, formed by budding musical talents.
A season brimming with music.
The summer concerts at Bellver Castle will begin at the end of June, on the 26th, and conclude a month later, on July 29th.
The first performance will take place on June 29th at 9:30 PM. Pianists Davit Krikuli and Martin Garcia will interpret Brahms and Rachmaninoff.
The second event, scheduled for July 6th at 9:30 PM, will showcase the students of Petita Simfònica, who will perform "The Barber of Seville," with Pere Estelrich serving as the narrator. Additionally, pianist Liam de Paor and violinist Carme Alzina will delight the discerning audience.
The third evening, on July 13th at 9:30 PM, will feature cellist Kian Soltani, enchanting the Mallorcan night with a repertoire including Schumann and Beethoven.
July 20th marks Joji Hattori's directorial program, highlighting Ravel, J. Turina, and E. Chabrier. The soloist for the night will be Hyung-ki Joo.
On the final day of "Estius Simfònics," the spectacle will commence at 10:00 PM with a grand concert led by soprano Olena Tokar. Alongside the Symphonic Orchestra, Tokar will perform pieces by Beethoven, Verdi, Dvorak, Puccini, Ch. Gounod, and F. Lehár.
The evolving uses of Bellver Castle
It is the oldest round castle of the European medieval era, as it is uncommon to find this type of circular fortress with medieval design. Constructed by King James II in the early 14th century, it is located approximately three kilometers from Palma.
Ascending to the castle is not overly burdensome, and the reward from its summit is immense: a marvelous view of Palma Bay and the entire city. Moreover, it is surrounded by a lush pine forest where it is not uncommon to encounter athletes, families enjoying nature, or the magnificent, mounted police horses.
Over the centuries, the uses of Bellver Castle have changed from an impregnable medieval stronghold to a space for culture and leisure. In 1931, during the Spanish Republic, it was handed over to the city along with the surrounding forest. A year later, it was converted into a museum but also witnessed one of its darkest periods as a prison during the early months of the Civil War.
In 1976, it was adapted to become the history museum of the city of Palma, and it currently houses a collection of classical sculptures that once belonged to Cardinal Despuig.
Since the 1990s, it has become a venue for official ceremonies, concerts, and cultural events. Among them, the summer concerts hold a special place in the hearts of classical music enthusiasts.