The Arriaga Theatre and the Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa –BOS– present Vagamundo, the songs of Santiago Auserón performed as a symphony concert.

“Since the mid 20th Century, popular Spanish songs have been integrating influences from far afield, particularly the mix of European and African traditions from the New World. People in my generation were lucky enough to renew an international circulation of rhythms and melodies in which the Iberian Peninsula had played an active role centuries before.

Exploring firstly the urban song horizon with Radio Futura, then later on, with Juan Perro, recovering American, African and Iberian sounds with that seem to want to speak the same language, a lifelong commitment to sung verse has become a fascinating journey around different frontiers. Perhaps that is the meaning of the concert title: “Vagamundo”. It could be said that ancient Spanish retains profound resonances, ready to be shared with the contemporary world.

Under the efficient baton of Ricardo Casero with elegant arrangements by Amparo Edo, I am lucky enough to have the privilege today of witnessing a vision of my own work grounded in the sonority of a classical orchestra. Enjoy the event, dear audiences, as I intend to”. Santiago Auserón