"Tanausú": An Oratorio inspired by the Canary Islands, premiered and recorded in Bratislava by the BSO, now on Spotify

In the heart of Europe, Bratislava had the honor of recording and premiering "Tanausú," a unique oratorio inspired by the remote island of La Palma (Canary Islands).

The genesis of "Tanausú" dates back to 2003, when its composer, Paco Viciana, was captivated by the imposing beauty of La Palma and the story of Tanausú, a brave Auarita warrior (an ancient inhabitant of the island) who in the 15th century fiercely resisted the Castilian conquest, becoming a symbol of the struggle for freedom.

What makes this oratorio even more special is its language: the composer, with the help of philologist and historian Ignacio Reyes, set out to create the work in the original Auarita language, an ancestral language that is no longer in use today. This challenge involved a deep immersion in the culture, sounds, and traditions of the ancient Canarians.

After an intense creative process and overcoming various obstacles, including funding from the Cabildo de La Palma, the score for "Tanausú" reached the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra and conductor David Hernando in 2008 for its recording.

The conductor and the orchestra were so fascinated by the work that, in an extraordinary and memorable gesture, they agreed to premiere it free of charge the day after the recording!

Thus, on April 21, 2009, "Tanausú" resonated for the first time before the public in the Concert Hall of Slovak Radio in Bratislava. The premiere was a great success, and the enthusiasm of the BSO orchestra and choirs that day remains an unforgettable memory for the composer.

Although "Tanausú" still awaits new opportunities to resonate on other stages, its world premiere in Bratislava, thanks to the passion and talent of the BSO, marked an unforgettable milestone in the history of this powerful work.