Imagine a summer evening in a Spanish cathedral, the smell of incense, festive singing and a colorful mix of music. That is the world of Spanish Baroque, and that is exactly where Al Ayre Español takes you during this concert.

For over 35 years this ensemble, founded by harpsichordist Eduardo López Banzo in 1988, has been demonstrating that Spain too has its own baroque history. A mission that has served the ensemble well. Al Ayre Español performs in the world’s most prestigious concert halls and has released numerous, excellently received CDs. “If you have yet to experience the Spanish Baroque’ there could be no better introduction,” wrote Britain’s Gramophone.

This concert focuses on the villancicos and tonos divinos: colorful, expressive songs written by composers such as Sebastián Durón, Matías Juan de Veana and Cristóbal Galán for religious holidays such as Christmas, Epiphany and the Assumption of Mary. In addition, as instrumental variety, you will hear two trio sonatas from the Sonate da chiesa opus 1 by their Italian contemporary Corelli, a collection of a total of twelve “church sonatas” that served as inspiration for composers such as Handel, Vivaldi and even Bach. Be transported to Baroque Spain, with early music brimming with life.