Estrella Morente Honors Manuel de Falla at FIMC

Estrella Morente stands at a unique intersection of tradition and innovation. Her voice, described as both the heritage and future of flamenco, is set to echo through the concert halls of the Canary Islands in January 2026. This performance marks a significant moment in her career, coming on the heels of a prestigious national honor.

The celebrated cantaora from Granada will be the centerpiece of the 42nd International Music Festival of the Canary Islands (FIMC). She will be accompanied by the full force of the Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra, creating a powerful symphonic backdrop for her flamenco artistry. The event promises to be a profound homage to one of Spain's most influential composers.

The upcoming concerts are dedicated to the memory and music of Manuel de Falla, a composer Morente holds in the highest regard. The timing is particularly poignant, as 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of Falla's birth. For the artist, this is more than a performance; it is a personal tribute to a figure she considers almost a loved one.

Morente believes that Falla's compositions perfectly capture the essence of the Spanish musical DNA. His work, which often blended classical structures with folkloric elements, resonates deeply with her own artistic philosophy. The program will likely feature some of his most iconic works, reinterpreted through her unique vocal style.

The collaboration with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria under the direction of Karel Mark Chichon adds a layer of orchestral grandeur to the performance. This fusion of flamenco vocals with classical instrumentation highlights the versatility and timelessness of both art forms.

The International Music Festival of the Canary Islands (FIMC) has been a cultural staple for nearly half a century. Morente herself has praised the festival for its enduring commitment to bringing high-quality music to every corner of the archipelago. She notes its vital role in cultivating a new generation of music lovers.

“lleva casi medio siglo haciendo accesible la música a todos los rincones del archipiélago y contribuyendo a la creación de público joven”

This philosophy of accessibility and cultural bridge-building is central to the festival's identity. By presenting artists like Morente alongside symphonic orchestras, the FIMC demonstrates how different musical genres and generations can find common ground. The event is viewed not just as a concert series, but as an act of cultural peace.

The concerts arrive at a moment of high recognition for the artist. In December 2025, Estrella Morente was awarded the Medal of Gold of Merit in the Fine Arts. This is one of the highest honors bestowed in the Spanish cultural sphere, recognizing a lifetime of contribution to the arts.

Receiving this national distinction underscores her status as a leading figure in contemporary Spanish music. It validates her decades-long career dedicated to preserving and evolving the flamenco tradition. The FIMC performances will serve as her first major public appearance following this significant award.

The honor is a testament to her influence not only within the flamenco community but across the broader landscape of Spanish music and culture. It places her among the most distinguished artists of her generation.

The tribute to Manuel de Falla will be presented in two distinct concerts across the Canary Islands archipelago. These performances are scheduled for January 24, 2026, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and January 25, 2026, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Attendees can expect a rich orchestral arrangement featuring violins, violas, flutes, and oboes, all supporting Morente's powerful vocal delivery. The program is designed to showcase the depth of Falla's compositions while highlighting the emotional intensity of flamenco interpretation.

Key Performance Elements:

• Symphonic orchestration by the Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conducted by British maestro Karel Mark Chichon
• Repertoire honoring the 150th anniversary of Manuel de Falla's birth
• Two exclusive dates in Gran Canaria and Tenerife

The collaboration between Estrella Morente, the Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra, and the FIMC represents a landmark event in the 2026 cultural calendar. It bridges the gap between the raw emotion of flamenco and the structured beauty of classical music, all while paying tribute to a national treasure.

As the festival continues its mission of making music accessible, these concerts promise to be a highlight for audiences in the Canary Islands and beyond. They serve as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of art.

For music enthusiasts and cultural observers alike, this event is a must-watch, symbolizing the vibrant and evolving nature of Spanish musical heritage.