LOWELL AND ARLINGTON MASS., APRIL 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is proud to announce that its Music Director Orlando Cela will conduct the United States Premiere of “La azucena de Quito,” a rarely-performed oratorio by Spanish Composer Joaquin Rodrigo with the Philharmonic Society of Arlington, in May. Image caption: Orlando Cela, Music Director of Lowell Chamber Orchestra. Photo: Noya Photo. This landmark performance is a momentous occasion for the Arlington Philharmonic, as well as for audiences in the Greater Boston Area, who will be able to experience one Rodrigo’s most expansive, spiritually rich works, for chorus and orchestra. “La azucena de Quito”, composed in 1967, tells the story of Saint Mariana de Jesus of Quito, also known as the “Lily of Quito”, through Rodrigo’s distinctive musical voice. It combines luminous orchestral colors with reverent choral composition. Rodrigo is known for his “Concierto de Aranjuez” but this oratorio was rarely heard. Its U.S. premier was a major cultural event. Cela said, “This is an incredibly moving and human work.” “To present ‘La azucena de Quito,’ for the first time to American audiences is both an artistic duty and an extraordinary privilege. Rodrigo’s music has a spiritual depth and sincerity that is especially meaningful to us today. Cela will also be leading the Lowell Chamber Orchestra on April 26th in a performance Rodrigo’s beloved “Fantasia para un gentlehombre”, one of the composer’s most celebrated works. The piece, which is based on Spanish Baroque Dances, displays Rodrigo’s gift for lyricism, color and contrast. It offers a vibrant counterpoint with the introspective grandeur “La azucena de Quito.” The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is known for its commitment towards accessibility and community engagement. It continues to present high quality performances with free entry, ensuring that transformative music experiences are open to everyone. Together, these performances demonstrate Cela’s commitment to bringing beloved masterworks and forgotten treasures to life – bridging communities in Lowell & Arlington through shared artistic vision. EVENT DETAILS
U.S. Premiere of “La azucena de Quito”
Philharmonic Society of Arlington
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https://psarlington.org/ VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/gozbir3V-HM The Lowell Chamber Orchestra: https://lowellchamberorchestra.org/ News Source: Lowell Chamber OrchestraTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/music-director-of-the-lowell-chamber-orchestra-to-lead-historic-u-s-premiere-of-joaquin-rodrigos-la-azucena-de-quito/. This press release has been issued by Send2Press (r) Newswire, on behalf of the news provider. The source is solely responsible and accountable for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.
