Every year, the most prominent classical musicians of the world flock to San Juan to take part in the Casals Festival, held in memory of Pablo Casals. A Spanish and Puerto Rican cellist, composer, and conductor founded this festival in 1956 to give a boost to the island's cultural life and classical music scene.
Classical Music Performers
Over its history, Casals Festival was attended by a number of prominent conductors and musicians, such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Krzysztof Penderecki, Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, Eugene Ormandy, Yehudi Menuhin, Jorge Mester, Odón Alonso, Elías López Sobá, Justino Diaz and Maximiano Valdés.
Casals Festival attracts musicians from all over the world, in particular, the most outstanding cellists. It also features The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and the San Juan Philharmonic Choral. To learn more about Pablo Casals and his connection to Puerto Rico, you can also visit Museo de Casals in the Old San Juan that is open year-round.
Schedule & Lineup
This year, the festival will host elegant performances of such prominent artists as Leonard Elschenbroich and Alexey Gryniuk with their piano and cello recital on May 30th at 7 pm. On May 25th at 7 pm, Yefim Bronfman will perform his rendition of Beethoven, and Manuel Barrueco will strum his guitar for some Renaissance pieces on June 2nd at 4 pm. Pacho Flores will join the Puerto Rico Symphony for his trumpet performance on June 1st at 7 pm. Many more artists will take your breath away with their heart-wrenching compositions and interpretation of classical music.
Tickets & Admission
Each concert of the festival requires a separate ticket. The cost varies based on the event, with some starting at $25 and ranging upward to $125. Due to this being a classical music function, children under 3 years old are not allowed to enter. There is also a strict formal dress code you are recommended to follow.
Location
The Casals Festival is held annually at several locations throughout Puerto Rico. the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center in the barrio of Santurce of San Juan. Some events also take place at the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory and Jesús María Sanromá Hall at Teatro Guillermo y Bertita Martínez.
