The National Congress Symphony Orchestra (OSIC) will present Per Lucem, the fifth concert of its 2026 International Official Season. The concert will take place on Thursday, 9 July at 20:00 at the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre in Asunción. The performance will feature Spanish guest conductors Natalia Montañés and Rafael Sanz-Espert, and admission is free. Organised with the Shostakovitch Conservatory of Asunción, the concert brings together a programme centred on light, hope, and personal transformation.
A musical journey from outer light to inner light
Per Lucem, Latin for “Through Light”, is accompanied by the subtitle From outer light to the search for Inner Light. The programme has been designed as a musical journey. One that invites audiences to move from the beauty of the external world towards a deeper sense of reflection and spiritual discovery.
The evening opens with Sinfonía sevillana, Op. 23, by Joaquín Turina. Composed in 1920, the work is one of Turina’s best-known orchestral pieces and celebrates the colours, atmosphere and traditions of Seville. Its vivid orchestration blends the richness of the symphony orchestra. Influences from Andalusian folk music create an evocative portrait of the Spanish city.
The second half of the programme features Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, one of the most celebrated works of the Romantic repertoire. Premiered in 1888, the symphony explores themes of destiny, struggle, and resilience. Through a recurring musical motif, it evolves throughout the four movements before concluding in a triumphant finale. Its emotional progression closely reflects the concert’s overarching concept of moving from darkness towards light.
International collaboration on the podium
The concert also highlights the growing cultural exchange between Paraguay and Europe. Montañés and Sanz-Espert are both recognised figures in Spain’s classical music scene, with extensive experience conducting orchestras, teaching, and promoting musical education. Their appearance in Asunción forms part of the Second International Chamber Music Meeting, an initiative aimed at strengthening artistic collaboration through performances, masterclasses, and educational activities.
Presented by the National Congress Symphony Orchestra, Per Lucem continues the ensemble’s commitment to making high-quality classical music accessible to the public through free performances while welcoming internationally renowned guest artists to Paraguay.
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