Circus Maximus

Once again this year, the Veranos de la Villa festival will have the privilege of welcoming this orchestra whose roots are deeply embedded in popular music. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, it is currently conducted by Jan Cober. The Municipal Symphony Band of Madrid can normally be enjoyed in the National Auditorium or the Palacio Municipal de Congresos or on the bandstand in the El Retiro Park, not to mention in other concerts held in districts around the city as part of the City Hall’s cultural programme.

On this occasion, for the Veranos de la Villa Festival, the BSMM will perform Symphony no. 3, Circus Maximus, a composition for a music ensemble in eight movements by the American composer John Corigliano, who has received numerous awards, including an Oscar for the soundtrack to The Red Violin. Premièred in 2005, Corigliano’s intention was to create a substantial and theatrical work: a symphony that would highlight the obvious parallels between Rome at the height of its high decadence and our own times. Our reality is dominated by entertainment, and the increasingly extreme "reality" shows are dominating our entertainment. Circus Maximus was designed to be both an embodiment and a critique of this massive and glamorous barbarism. Written for a full concert band, the score is divided into eight sections which are played without interruption.

With the collaboration of the Municipal Symphony Band of Madrid