Mariola Cantarero sea of songs, salt shaker waves

The Plaza de las Pasiegas was dressed in music and traditionalism last night to mark the centenary celebrations of the Armilla Air Base. This educational and military group, as well as a military organization, was founded in June 1922. It is active today and eager for growth. Jose Miguel Peregrina and Gabriel Pozo, among others, have already told the story of the area's history. It was now the centenary celebration. Music is the best, with the cathedral providing the backdrop. There was also a large audience and an explicit collusion between Granada Air Force.

Mariola Cantarero, a soprano from Italy, was one of the city's most gifted performers. The military establishment provided the ACAR Music Band, Tablada (Seville), directed by Commander Rafael Peralta Torrecilla.

Jose Molino was the representative of Wing 78, Armilla Base and Helicopter Military Schools.

Ana Sanchez, Alhondiga Magazine's director, was responsible for the presentation. She is particularly sensitive to the event and her clear voice made it a very touching one. The Granada Festival provided institutional support through its FEX program. Private sponsorship came from Hotel Abades Nevada Palace. This hotel is a well-respected landmark in the tourism sector in our city. It was represented by Alicia Marquez Laos last night.

Flowers and souvenirs were delivered in the form plaques and models to the Base. This ended a night filled with music and evocation. It was elevated to the magical setting by the Air Force band's extraordinary interpretations. Mariola Cantarero's natural voice and natural grace made it even more special. Music was, undoubtedly, the greatest gift all Granadans received.

The program features works by well-known authors as well as less well-known ones, but they all have that Spanishness that leans towards zarzuela. This is a song that the public still loves and that often gives them goosebumps especially when it sounds in Mariola's pristine voice. It then springs forth enthusiastically, but without riot from the many young musicians of the Sevillian military bands.

Alfredo Martos was the one who gave up the pasodoble Andalucia' to a gorgeous petenera by Moreno Torroba. He was a Madrilenian in love to Granada and he gave him memorable staves. Mariola embroided the famous Marinela fragment from 'La Cancion del Olvido. Songs without fame flourished, until they reached the incomparable moment of 'Recuerdos de la Alhambra’ by Tarrega, sung by our countrywoman.

Intermission of "La Boda de Luis Alonso" was no less fascinating. Mariola played the castanets and her silver voice and quicksilver vibrato made it all seem effortless. The final scene was the woman, dressed in all the stars of the sky, wearing a blue dress Aire de ella and a tin-colored shawl. She danced with Cuban and her habaneras.

Because Spanish music is about distance and proximity. Our Air Force uses human ingenuity to find solutions. It not only works day-to-day to support national defense but also defends human values and the history of the land it is given. This isn't one of the minors in music.