On Thursday night, at 8:00 PM, the Torrelavega Society of Culture, Recreation, and Sports commemorated the 107th Anniversary of the birth of the universal artist from Lanzarote, César Manrique. As is customary on this special date, the board presided over by Antonio Ramos Díaz "Toñín" paid tribute to the creator in the way that best connects with his spirit; through music.
César Manrique's connection with the Torrelavega Society dates back many years. In his youth, he was part of the first board of directors and always maintained close contact with the entity, to the point that Manrique himself designed the current crest of the society.
The event began with the words of Alfredo Díaz, director of the Department of Pedagogy of the César Manrique Foundation, who gave an emotional review on such a significant day. He highlighted the artist's philosophy of life, who defined himself as a free and happy being, stating that there can be no more beautiful destiny. Likewise, he shared one of the many reflections collected in his diary "We live such a short space of time on this planet, that each of our steps must be aimed at building more and more the dreamed space of utopia. Let's build it together; it's the only way to make it possible".
Next, the concert titled "Mano a Mano" began, starring two great voices from the Canarian music scene: José Manuel Ramos and Ciro Corujo, accompanied by the requinto player Salvador Pérez. Both Ramos and Corujo come from families deeply linked to traditional Canarian music, and their well-known careers include their participation in folk groups, parrandas, duos, and solo careers. Salvador Pérez, for his part, also has a solid career in various musical groups, having trained with outstanding requinto masters.
During the 90 minutes of concert, the numerous audience that filled the allowed forum of the Torrelavega Society enjoyed a show that felt short due to its great quality. The "Mano a Mano" transcended the stage to become a musical dialogue between artist and attendees, who united their voices singing choruses and even performing some songs from beginning to end.
José Manuel Ramos and Ciro Corujo offered a varied repertoire of boleros, ballads, and rancheras by great composers such as José Alfredo Jiménez, Javier Solís, and Agustín Lara, among other songs that are part of the universal songbook. The concert also reserved a space for Canarian music, with interpretations of isa and folías. The latter featured the special collaboration of two distinguished Lanzarotean tenors present in the audience: Blas Martínez and Pancho Corujo.
The technical direction, in charge of professional Ivanhoe Rodríguez, contributed decisively to musicians and singers feeling comfortable at all times, favoring the impeccable development of the show.
Upon the moment of farewell, the audience, enthusiastic and on their feet, asked to prolong the evening. The concert finally concluded with the performance of "No Volveré," by the Mexican composer Manuel Esperón, putting the finishing touch on a magnificent night in honor of César Manrique on the 107th Anniversary of his birth. "The greatest business of a country is education."
