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I must admit that I never imagined that I would be here, 36 years after my last festival, meeting you all.
In 1982, I was commissioned, together with José Luis Ocejo, to create this Festival de Otoño, for its inaugural year in 1984. Two years later, it was already being said that the Festival de Otoño had been instrumental in raising awareness of the newly formed Community of Madrid.
The global festival market is vast, comprising a diverse range of events that are highly international in scope. It offers a unique opportunity for individuals to shape their own cultural experience of Madrid. In a conversation years ago, Lluís Pasqual, then director of the Teatro Lliure, made an interesting observation. He noted that regardless of whether an individual is an artist or not, those who organise and present festivals can be considered artists. This is because they create a sociological environment that supports and celebrates art in all its forms, including dance, music, theatre, poetry, and circus. And without a doubt, they are artists.
I am pleased to report that my involvement in the direction of five Festivales de Otoño was a highly positive experience, with results that surpassed our expectations. Following 41 years of festivals, the opportunity to direct Festival de Otoño’s 42nd year was a welcome surprise. The fact that it also bears my name is a testament that I am extremely grateful for.
It is my belief that a festival should serve to complement the cultural activity presented throughout the year. To showcase a diverse range of styles and support emerging talent in developing new forms of expression. The objective is to publicise new versions or those which, having already been presented, offer exceptional interest and are worth repeating.
Furthermore, a festival should encourage the public to continuously raise their level of demand when it comes to evaluating the different creations, with artistic quality being the only standard of measurement. It is also necessary to fill in gaps and make amends, as well as create an intense temporary exhibition where the performing arts and music of these and other latitudes can be experienced.
In summary, the objective is to maintain the Madrid Festival de Otoño’s position as a cultural reference point for new trends with a global influence. It is becoming increasingly common for major companies and cutting-edge creators to present their new shows to us as a matter of course. Furthermore, they wish to ascertain the Madrid public's response, who are aware of their interest and preparation. In the current business environment, success in the artistic sector in Madrid is increasingly associated with quality.
This is the programme’s objective, which has been meticulously prepared with great enthusiasm this year in collaboration with leading international experts: Amancio Prada, Tao Ye, Robert Lepage, Jon Maya, Andrés Marín, Jo Strømgren, Wajdi Mouawad, María Hervás, Carmen Werner, Mario Banushi, L'Orchestre d'Hommes-Orchestres de Canada, Rafael Spregelburd, Thaddeus Phillips, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, Laurent Cirade, Sarah Vanhee, among others. We are pleased to announce that our Quebec window (Robert Lepage, L'Orchestre d'Hommes-Orchestres and Émilie Monnet & Waira Nina) has been made possible with the collaboration of the Government of Quebec and Air Canada. The Chinese Embassy, the China Cultural Centre and the Fundación Cátedra China have also collaborated in the presentation of TAO Dance Theater, while the Fundación Japón has been involved in the case of Yamato.
It is my sincere hope that the audience will enjoy the festival and take away happy memories. We have taken every step to ensure that we meet your expectations and deserve your round of applause.
Pilar de Yzaguirre
Festival de Otoño Artistic Director
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