On an unforgettable weekend, the third edition of the Confagotas Congress held in Navia, Asturias, has left its mark on the national bassoon scene, consolidating itself as a musical event of reference for this instrument. The Fantasio Cinema was the epicentre of the closing of the Bassoon Congress, paying a moving tribute to the recently deceased Antonio Parrillas (first bassoon teacher in Asturias) on Saturday 9th December at 20:00.
Leading international bassoonists, Sergio Azzolini y Vincenzo MenghiniThe festival's masters left their mark not only in the classes, but also in the closing concert, demonstrating the musical excellence of those attending the event.
The Congress included interesting talks on anxiety and nerve control on stage by the psychologist Chus Vegaas well as exhibitions on the approach to improvisation carried out by the bassoon player Alfonso Fernández.
Beyond the brilliant lectures, presentations and performances, the structure of the festival and the quality of the participants have defined its success.
The closing concert was a masterful display of concerts by Vivaldiwith a ensemble of modern bassoons and another of baroque bassoons conducted by Azzolini. The ensemble counted with the participation of outstanding bassoonists, among them, Vicent Mascarellfirst bassoon of the Principality of Asturias Symphony Orchestra; Reynold Cardenassoloist with the Orquesta de Extremadura; Tolo Mayor professor at the Real Conservatorio Superior de Madrid; Carlos TaranconProfessor at the Conservatorio Superior de Zaragoza; Ramiro Garciacontrabassoonist of the Seville Symphony Orchestra; local bassoonist Esther Infanzón GarcíaThe association, a key part of the association and the organising team of the meeting, and Olga García.
The piece of improvisation conducted by Alfonso Fernández demonstrated how a single bar can bring a piece of music to life, with solos by Reynold Cárdenas, Vicente Mascarell and a striking contrabassoon solo by Ramiro García. The piece culminated with the chorus sung by the audience in the 'Confagotas' auditorium, a moment that reflected the connection between musicians and audience.
Maestro Menghini, after conducting his ensemble The evening closed with his own works in trio with Vicente Mascarell and Reynold Cárdenas, the latter concluding with a solo performance of Paquito de Rivera's contradanza, adding a touch of folklore, bassoon and humour to this extraordinary concert.
The assistance of other professionals such as Josep Balaguer (soloist of the Jaén band), Rafael Zanón (teacher at the C.S. of Alicante), Johanna Suárez (teacher at the C.S. of Oviedo), Jorge López (C.P. of Segovia), José M. Merenciano (teacher at C.P. de Gijón), Luís Castillo (teacher at C.S. de Sevilla) or Cristina Álvarez (Municipal Band 'Ciudad de Oviedo' and teacher at C.P. de Avilés) among others, highlighted the quality of the participants, who outside this context are teachers and soloists of the main orchestras and bassoon centres in our country.
As for the exhibitors, well-known brands such as MoosmanThe founder Bern Moosman, the well-established reed brand, was present at the event. Matthew Reedsthe Portuguese shop specialised in Bassoon Rhythms and Minutiae, y NA Bassoonsdedicated to the expansion and accessibility of the bassoon, offered a complete and diverse view of the bassoon world in the exhibitors' hall.
The founders and organisers of the Confagotas association, the bassoonists Luis Alberto Rodríguez Moreno y Esther Infanzóntogether with the pianist Inés Estradadeserve special recognition for their tireless work. We would like to highlight the support and collaboration of the Navia Town Council for the use of space in the Casino for talks and exhibitors, as well as in the Cine Fantasio for rehearsals, classes, the closing concert and the photo session.
This success augurs well for future editions that will continue to raise the standard of quality in the bassoon music scene. Confagotas is consolidating its position as an association that illuminates not only the musical horizon of Asturias, but also beyond its borders.
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