An immense artist, a unique person

His human qualities surpass his artistic ones. Joaquin Achucarro, the pianist, is one of those people who will please in all ways; who will make any place home and make every situation around them better than before they arrived. He could be described as being ambitious, but also talented, perfectionist and humble. He continues to practice, learn and study with the same enthusiasm as the first day, even though his knowledge is vast. He has not let go of the boy that he was. Perhaps it is because he doesn't like most people.

The master of all masters, a living legend in classical music, was present in Ubeda during two days that were dedicated to him by the 34th International Music and Dance Festival. Its sixth week has now begun. It is fair to say that one may wonder who gave these two days to whom. But the artist didn't stop. He gave a concert, signed albums, taught master classes, and was awarded the Gold Medal of the Ubetense for his long and prolific career. He also had a conversation about his career with Pedro Ruiz.

Achucarro, who is 90 years old, returned to the Ubeda festival as resident artist after previous visits in 2012 and 2004. He will be performing in the most emotionally charged part of the program, which is dedicated to the piano.

Last Friday's concert was held in Santiago Hospital auditorium. The Basque pianist raised the stage and received a lot of applause. The varied, romantic program was both beautiful and complex. It included Chopin's Fantasia Impromptu op.66’ and Sonata op.58 n.3 n.3 n.3 in A minor', Liszt’s?Valse oubliee n.1’ and?Liebestraum n.3’; 'La maja y el ruisenor’ from 'Goyescas’ by Granados; a' from the suite a'by Albeniz and three preludes from Rachmaninoff and two Scriabin studies by Rachmaninoff and three preludes from Rachmaninoff and two Scriabin; and two Scriabin; and abin; and abin; and abin; and three preludes from Rachmaninoff and three preludes from Rachmaninoff and two Scriabin; and s by Rachmaninoff and three s by Rachmaninoff and s It is a very similar repertoire to that he will perform on the next tour of Japan.

He had to be out greeting his child several times, happy and triumphant, smiling with his child's smile. He did not hesitate to perform two more pieces for those present. One of them performed with the left hand and the other with the right, implying that the right one was tired. After the recital, he signed copies for his fans, all ages. They were full of love, appreciation, and praise. He was friendly, willing to serve everyone. Because he is an expert in his trade.

Yesterday morning, Joaquin Achucarro, a teacher at 'The Academy" of the Ubeda Festival gave a masterclass to five students from various Andalusian conservatories. They had the privilege of learning from one of the greats. They all agreed that this was not a class for use. The teacher is limited to listening and learning from them, but it is one they can benefit from. He showed them many exercises, modes, and postures they could use in their interpretations and studies.

Achucarro assured himself that he recognizes himself in these young people, four boys, and one girl. He also said that he is continuing to learn every day. He said that it was about finding the limit each person can reach. However, Achucarro stated that he hasn't yet achieved this goal due to the physical limitations of the years that force us to seek out other paths, shortcuts, and tricks.

Yesterday afternoon, he had two additional appointments in the same auditorium. The International Music and Dance Festival gave her the Gold Medal to recognize her long and successful career. This is the same award that many other great musicians, including Montserrat Caballe and Jose Carreras, Jordi Sall, Jordi Savall and Victoria de los Angeles, Jehudi menuhin, Javier Perianes and Teresa Berganza, have received in past years.

The award was presented to the honoree by Antonio Fuentes (president of Friends of Music Association), Natalia Perez (councilor) and Esteban Ocana (director of festival), who both experienced the moment in an extremely emotional way because the pianist was his teacher. Achucarro expressed his gratitude to Ubeda and the Music Festival for their love and attention. He also made sure to thank Emma Jimenez, his wife, for being a pillar of his life and career, by writing a few words.

The musician then met with the public on the same stage. This conversation was called "Achucarro al natural" and took place under the title. It was a relaxed and intimate conversation that focused more on the person rather than the character. In which life was discussed. This was an opportunity to learn more about the life, work, legacy, and trajectory of this teacher of teachers. It is nice to hear him speak, even when he is not at the piano.

Joaquin Achucarro has a very tight schedule. However, he still finds time to practice and study. He devotes many hours per day to this, especially if there is a concert. He practiced in the auditorium before the recital. The day before, he was at the Maria de Molina Professional Music Conservatory, Ubeda, where the piano was available for him to use in the audition room. He also made time for interviews with various media.

On the Thursday of his arrival, he passed through UNED's assembly hall, and he joined the conference of Juan Miguel Moreno Calderon (musician and writer), who spoke about him and Cordovan Rafael Olozco (1946-1996). Orozco is considered one of our greatest pianists. Esteban Ocana was also present in the Festival's "La Academia" presentation. Achucarro shared with the audience his personal memories and experiences with Orozco who he was very close to.

His victory at the Liverpool International Competition was a landmark in his life and career. His activities have led him to perform in 61 different countries in the most demanding venues. He has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, as well as in recitals.

In recognition of his "extraordinary artistic works", he was named 'Artist for Peace" by UNESCO. He is Accademico ad Honorem of Accademiachigiana de Siena, Gold Medal for Fine Arts and National Prize for Music. The International Astronomical Union (IAU), in tribute to his universal trajectory, gave him a spot in the sky.

He has been recorded by some of the world's most prestigious labels and has won numerous awards. In 2008, the Joaquin Achucarro Foundation was established in Dallas to preserve his artistic legacy and support his student pianists in their early careers.

One more act will be performed during the sixth week of Ubeda Festival. The second half of the recital will feature the performance of Irina Mureanu, violinist, who will be performing in the 'Music and Heritage' cycle that runs through World Heritage cities at noon and at Hospital de Santiago. Daniel del Pino will accompany Daniel del Pino on piano. This recital will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Cesar Franck's birth.

After the concert, a greeting with Pedro Ruiz followed by a conversation and master class. ROMAN