EXHIBITIONS

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Joaquín Rodrigo this year, and under the National Commission¹s program of events scheduled for the occasion, a comemmorative exhibition was inaugurated on March 29, 2001, at the San Pío V Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia.

The exhibition will travel to the following cities:

Valencia: March 29 - April 29, San Pio V Museum
Sagunto: May 17 - July 7, Santa María Church
Santiago de Compostela: July24 - August 19, University Church
Aranjuez: September 5 - October 27, Royal Palace of Aranjuez
Madrid: November 21- December 23, Conde Duque Cultural Center
Salamanca: April 12- May 12, University of Salamanca

In the selection of the pieces to be exhibited, emphasis has been placed on portraying Rodrigo the man, as well as the singularity of his creative process, his works and his handicap: blindness.

THE CONTENTS

This is a thematic exhibition with a central chronological area. Each of the themes presented will be illustrated with:

a) Explanatory texts
b) Graphic material
c) Video material
d) Music

All of the above will be accompanied by a script which the visitor will listen to, along with the music of Joaquín Rodrigo, thus making the contents of the exposition both visual and perceptible.

It is important to underline that this unprecedented exhibition, will be unique due to its interactive character. Toward this end, there will be a "DARK ROOM OF SENSATIONS", specially created so that the visitor may hear the sounds and smell some of the aromas that formed part of the sensory environment of Joaquín Rodrigo and inspired the music of this composer who was blind from the age of three. This promises to be a very exciting experience for the viewers, who will thus be able to understand how the loss of sight opens up an unending world of very enriching sensations and vibrations.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the re-construction of the "MAESTRO'S OWN ROOM", which will feature his piano and some of his personal belongings.

OUTLINE OF THE EXHIBITION

I. THE MAN

The first part of the exhibition introduces the visitor to Rodrigo and his family environment, his studies, his relation to art, and his travels throughout the world. In sum, it characterizes the reference points which were vital to him, and gives the public a glimpse of the more intimate and unknown side of his personality.

In the five areas of this section, a series of personal objects, photographs, scores and portraits bring the visitor into the world of Rodrigo, underlining his intellectual stature and the dimensions of his humanity. There is also illustration of his relationships with outstanding figures from politics, the arts and society

II. THE MUSICIAN

This section has a chronological structure, showing the composer's works throughout the different musical stages of his life. There is ample testimony of the immense intellectual legacy of Joaquín Rodrigo.

The aim of this section of the exhibition is to attract the attention of the public, and consequently to be instructive, not only for the visitor who is familiar with music, but for any one who is interested in the exhibition. Towards this end, there are exhibits of Rodrigo's scores, objects related to his compositions that add charm such as photographs, programs from premieres (some that are extremely attractive), posters and, in the case of stage productions, costume designs and costume displays from different theatrical performances.

III. THE MAESTRO

Rodrigo's work as university professor and member of various academies, a fundamental facet of his life, is explored in this area. The contents include diplomas, documents, and honorary doctorates. ..

COMMISSIONERS

National Commissioner for the Centenary Year of Joaquín Rodrigo: Ms. Áurea Roldán

Exhibition:
Scientific Commissioner: Mr. Javier Suárez Pajares
Technical Commissioner: Mrs. Marisa Oropesa
Design Studio:Jesús Moreno and Associates