Proms 2026 Boléro: Rhythms of Spain

The Spanish National Orchestra makes its Proms debut under Chief Conductor David Afkham, bringing with it a set of heat-soaked musical postcards. Spanish guitar phenomenon Rafael Aguirre joins the ensemble for Rodrigo’s much-loved Concierto de Aranjuez – an elegant, idealised vision of Spain’s past. The orchestra transforms itself into a giant guitar in two Ravel classics: the pulsing seguidilla serenade Alborada del gracioso and the hypnotic thrum of Boléro. The adventures of a miller, his beautiful young wife and an amorous magistrate become a vivid series of dances in music from Manuel de Falla’s ballet The Three-Cornered Hat.

Recorded for broadcast on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer

Rafael Aguirre © Liz Isles