By Sandra Sotelo
Photo credits: Nacho Roca
Internationally acclaimed flutist, Rafael Adobas, marks his return to Barcelona with his breathtaking performance of Mozart’s Concerto No. 2 in D Major, captivating the audience anew.
Adobas took center stage as guest soloist for the Closing Concert of the Jove Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona (JOSB) 8th Season 2022-2023, on June 18.
Dressed in Barong Tagalog, Adobas stood out among the orchestra ensemble in their black suits and dresses with his enchanting solo performance.
Xavier Puig, the guest conductor of the JOSB orchestra, couldn't help but express his admiration for Adobas' astounding talent.
"I can say that he has grown tremendously since he was my student in music years ago in high school. Now, he's a concertist, a superb soloist, and I am certain that he will have a spectacular career ahead," remarked Puig.
Photo credits: Nacho Roca
Adobas, a founding member of the JOSB in 2015, achieved extraordinary success when he won the prestigious Kobe International Flute Competition Prize in Japan.
Born to Filipino parents in Ibiza, Spain, Adobas stumbled upon his passion for the flute by chance.
His father, Margarito Adobas, enrolled him at the Conservatory school in Ibiza and accidentally registered him in flute lessons instead of the intended piano. However, what initially seemed a mistake turned out to be a fortunate twist of fate because Adobas discovered a deep love for the flute and its expressive power.
Reflecting on his musical journey, Adobas shared that the flute “captured my heart and became my true calling. I am grateful for that fortuitous mix-up at the conservatory, as it led me to pursue my passion."
Determined to excel, he dedicated himself to a career in music, specializing in the flute.
He underwent rigorous training at the Escuela Superior de Música de Cataluña (ESMUC) under the guidance of Vicens Prats.
Not contented, he further honed his skills at the Hochschule für Musik in Munich, studying under renowned flutists, Andrea Lieberknecht and Natalie Schwaabe. Adobas also delved into the world of baroque flute with Marion Treupel-Franck at the Musikhochschule in Munich and until recently, completed a master's degree in flute performance.
Adobas' exceptional talent and dedication have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades.
He has excelled in flute competitions, earning the third prize and the Special Prize for Best Performance at the Carl Nielsen International Flute Competition in 2019, as well as the first prize at the 10th Kobe International Flute Competition in 2022.
As a soloist, he has graced the stage with esteemed orchestras such as the Copenhagen Philharmonic and the Odense Symphony.
His career reached new heights with his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York in 2022, supported by the Siemens Arts Program.
In February 2023, Adobas was honored with the prestigious "Ani ng Dangal Award" from the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) in the Philippines.
This recognition highlights his phenomenal achievements and contributions to the world of music.
Additionally, Adobas has showcased his creativity as a composer, receiving acclaim for his composition "Music is Life" which beautifully reflects his unique artistic expression of his Filipino heritage, personal values, and passion for music.
At the concert, the audience was thrilled from their seats when Adobas returned for an encore and played a segment of his composition, as the music was excellently unique and emotional, and featured different forms of musical expression.
“It was a fantastic performance. It was much better than what I was expecting. A great performance and the ovation from the audience was wonderful. And he came out again and played an encore, it was really, really good and it sort of widened the scope of the repertoire. It was really, really enjoyable,” said David Pidgeon who came to see the concert upon learning of a Filipino flutist as a guest performer.
Photo credits: Nacho Roca
The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, along with members of the Filipino community, attended the concert to demonstrate their unwavering support for, and enjoy the music of, Rafael Adobas. The presence of students from JOSB added to the excitement as they eagerly awaited the performance of their admired founding member.
"To see him proudly display his Filipino heritage in the midst of all the ensemble, and to be the soloist performer, and to play his music so enchantingly, also makes us proud of his talent and our country," exclaimed Filcom member Carolina Florendo, reflecting the collective sentiment of pride and admiration felt by the Filipino community.
Rafael Adobas, together with some of the representatives from the Philippine Consulate General
and members of the Filipino community in Barcelona.
Photo credits: Sandra Sotelo
"I felt incredibly embraced by the audience. Barcelona has always been and continues to be my home, as I spent several years studying here and have cherished memories with the JOSB (Barcelona Youth Symphony Orchestra, in English). Friends, teachers, and even diplomats from the Philippine Consulate, along with many members of the Filipino community who have supported me since the beginning, came to the concert. I hope to return soon!" expressed Adobas with heartfelt appreciation.
END
Click on the links below to watch a segment of Rafael Adobas´ performance:
Rafael Adobas performs a segment of his own composition entitled "Music is Life" for his encore number at the JOSB Closing Concert on June 18, 2023, in Barcelona.
A segment of Mozart’s Concerto No. 2 in D Major
Filipino-Spanish Int'l Flutist Rafael Adobas performs with the JOSB Orchestra under the direction of Xavier Puig (June 18, 2023) during the JOSB Closing Concert 22/23 at the CMMB Auditori Eduard Toldrá, in Barcelona.
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