Taller d’Ivars in Benissa is proof that an old furniture factory can be completely transformed into a place visited by many art lovers. The building itself may have changed, but not as radically as the very purpose of this space between the walls. There are no more raw materials, no more wood, and no more tools and machines that processed it, but the roof is there, and the walls and windows are still there, conjuring up that bare, industrial architecture.
And the purpose? Well, here we are in a completely different field now. Here we can absorb the colours and shapes from the paintings when there are art exhibitions, and let our hearing be bathed in the sounds of music, contemporary and classical, when concerts are held.
This board would tell us more information, the only issue is that it is written in the Valencian language, not in Spanish. I can understand it in general, but I can't say that I am good at speaking it. Anyway, it tells the history of the furniture factory, which was a successful one in its time. Nowadays, when smaller factories are closed and the big industries have taken over the market, this space is converted into an art centre.
Here we had our performance last night with the choir. A night of surprises and nice feelings. In this concert, we were one of two choirs that brought smiles to the faces of the people and hearts full of gratitude despite the high temperatures.
It was so warm... just imagine a space under a roof that gets hot all day long, without a fan or air conditioning. Even though the windows were wide open, the wind didn't want to disturb the silence that was necessary during a concert for the music to spread throughout the hall without interference. Although the elderly ladies sitting in the audience were constantly using their hand fans, completely justified.
An hour before the concert was scheduled to start, we arrived at the town of Benissa. We entered the concert hall to get acquainted with the space, which seemed very cool for such occasions. However, one of the first surprises was the piano that was prepared on stage. I mean, the word piano is not correct, because it was a digital stage piano similar to the one I own, which I have no problems with if it comes to performances that do not involve compositions from the classical music genre. However, for these compositions... hmmm... I had my doubts and fears that this simply would not sound right, and the feeling of playing would not be the same.
The rehearsal was short, but we managed to play a small part of almost all the pieces just to try the sound... and it was not something I liked a lot. I felt the piano without a powerful sound, without "body"... it didn't have a round sound I could mould and fill with emotions and dynamics. Well, I accepted it and decided not to worry. I spoke to the director and told him that it would not sound like an acoustic grand piano, but that I would give the best of me. I accepted it with serenity.
The time to start the concert arrived, and to my surprise, I really, really enjoyed it from the very first notes. We managed to get an acceptable sound from that piano with the sound technician (between the rehearsal and the concert), which brought me joy and confidence. The calmness made me play the pieces flawlessly, better than in rehearsals, and on my favourite song, Negra Sombra, I had goosebumps. We received a lot of applause and bravos after this piece... I know those were for me 😉. The congratulations from the members of the other choir later confirmed it - they want to keep this pianist, haha, but that's also a difficult topic for my director, looking ahead to next year. He already misses me, in advance... but we will find options to continue with some rehearsals and, of course, my participation when they have concerts.
Yesterday's performance was the last one this season. In the summer, the choir takes a break, and in autumn, the projects will be resumed. A great closure of the concert season, I left with a happy heart and a full stomach, as we had a surprise dinner, an invitation from the other choir! It was heavenly delicious!
