Consider this: A beacon of culture rises before us. This is the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. It is not just a building. It is a testament to artistic vision and a tribute to a beloved tenor.
The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus stands proudly in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Its design is by Óscar Tusquets. Construction spanned from 1993 to 1997. The concept? To create a lighthouse protecting Las Canteras beach.
In 1997, the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus opened its doors. It was December 5. The name honors Alfredo Kraus. He was Gran Canaria’s celebrated tenor. His legacy echoes within these walls.
Step inside the main hall of Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. Notice the enormous window behind the orchestra. It spans approximately 100 square meters. It frames a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Imagine attending a concert with such a backdrop.
The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus is more than just a concert hall. It hosts the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival. The Canary Islands Music Festival also takes place here. Competitions, exhibitions, congresses and conventions find a home here too. It serves as the headquarters for the Philharmonic Orchestra of Gran Canaria. The Palacio de Congresos de Canarias is part of the auditorium complex.
Let’s explore the Symphony Hall within the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. It accommodates 1656 people. Its hexagonal shape is designed for exceptional acoustics. The hall measures 1650 square meters.
Consider the magnificent organ in the Symphony Hall. It boasts 2750 pipes. It is one of the largest in the Canary Islands. Notably, it is the only secular organ on Gran Canaria. Princess Irene of Greece attended its inauguration on October 21, 1999. The organist Wolfgang Seifen performed at the event to benefit the Fundación Mundo en Armonía.
In 2002, two new halls joined the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. They were named San Borondón and Alegranza. A multi-purpose hall opened in 2010. Óscar Tusquets designed this space. It includes a mechanism for seat removal allowing various events.
The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus pays homage to Alfredo Kraus. He was a renowned tenor. He was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1927. Throughout his career, he carried his city’s name worldwide.
Alfredo Kraus debuted in 1955. He performed in Rigoletto and Tosca at the Opera of El Cairo. His career soared. He performed with Maria Callas in La Traviata. This took place at the Teatro São Carlos de Lisboa in 1958. Kraus graced the most important theaters and concert halls globally.
Alfredo Kraus celebrated 35 years of his career in 1991. A recital at the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid marked the occasion. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria honored him. In January 1996, Alfredo Kraus started a two-year world tour. This celebrated 40 years of his career.
Alfredo Kraus dedicated himself to teaching. He was a professor at the Escuela Superior de Canto de Madrid. He directed the Cátedra “Alfredo Kraus” at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música del Gran Teatro del Liceo de Barcelona. He also taught at the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía de Madrid.
One of his legacies is the Concurso Internacional de Canto Alfredo Kraus. It began in 1990 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The competition took place biennially until 1999. It resumed in 2017 with its sixth edition.
The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus stands as a symbol of artistic achievement. It honors a musical giant. It is a vibrant cultural center. It enriches the lives of all who enter its doors.