First Coast Opera gala to feature renowned composer

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First Coast Opera will welcome world-renowned composer and musician Juan Antonio Simarro as the headliner for its upcoming gala on Feb. 1 at Embassy Suites in St. Augustine Beach. Known for his electrifying performances and dedication to making music accessible, Simarro’s appearance will make this a night to remember.

Simarro recently composed the score for the 75th Anniversary of UNESCO in Spain, an honor that underscores his status as a cultural ambassador. His music accompanied this historic event featuring Nobel laureates such as Rigoberta Menchú and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Simarro has also collaborated globally, performing alongside icons like Julio Iglesias and creating TVE’s corporate music for its 50th anniversary, marking his wide-reaching influence on the music world.

Here’s a brief look at Simarro’s career:

  • Has brought symphonic music to 21st-century audiences.
  • Composer of the “Symphony for a Better World,” endorsed by the Spanish Federation of UNESCO Centers. The composition is a candidate to become UNESCO’s anthem.
  • Recognized as one of the 50 most influential people in the country by Merca2 magazine for the second consecutive year.
  • Artistic director of the Spanish Symphony Orchestra.
  • Recipient of the Spanish Music Academy Award for Best Symphonic Composition for his work “Hallelujah” from “A Christmas Opera.”
  • Composer of the official anthem for the Spanish Olympic Committee and the National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team.

In addition to his compositions, Simarro is a popular presenter on “Clásicos y Reverentes” on La2 de TVE, sharing his passion for classical music with a wide audience. His works, including the celebrated “Symphony for a Better World,” have been performed at prestigious events like the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, captivating audiences worldwide.

The First Coast Opera gala will begin at 5 p.m. and conclude at 10 p.m. Feb. 1 at Embassy Suites, St. Augustine Beach. Tickets for this exclusive event are on sale now. VIP guests will enjoy a champagne reception, a meet-and-greet with Simarro, and a signed copy of his acclaimed educational DVD, “Your Class is an Orchestra.”

General admission tickets are $175; VIP tickets are $250. To learn more or to buy tickets, go to firstcoastopera.com and click on “Tickets.”