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On 26 November 2011, the Principality of Asturias Symphony Orchestra gave an Extraordinary Concert in Vatican City, in honour and in the presence of His Holiness, Benedict XVI, under the sponsorship of the María Cristina Masaveu Peterson Foundation.

The concert, which was held in the Nervi Hall of the Paul VI Audience Hall, had particular significance as it was the first Spanish orchestra to perform a concert in the presence of His Holiness, Benedict XVI, and it was thus a milestone in the history of Spanish orchestras.

“This Foundation, which I have the honour of presiding, is truly delighted to be in this magnificent setting that welcomes us today, thanks to the generosity of His Holiness, Benedict XVI. Thus, I would like to express my infinite gratitude to His Holiness for the unique event that we will hold here today.

For the María Cristina Masaveu Peterson Foundation, this sponsorship represents the recognition of the cultural heritage of Asturias, a land of great treasure, the birthplace of prestigious and renowned thinkers, enlightened, politicians, scientists, writers and artists, as well as the appreciation of the work of our beloved Principality of Asturias Symphony Orchestra.

Thank you to all of the musicians who have made an event of this magnitude possible, with their hard work and dedication, and to Maximiano Valdés, who has brought together mastery and elegance to the beat of his baton.

I would also like to make a special mention to Ana Mateo who, thanks to her professionalism and efficiency, has been the backbone of the great work dedicated today to His Holiness by this orchestra, which we may all enjoy.

I would also like to extend these words of thanks to all those who have made it possible to convert this dream, for the music of our country and in particular of our beloved region, into reality, such as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Oviedo, Monsignor Jesús Sanz, the former Diocesan administrator of Oviedo and present Bishop of Ciudad Rodrigo, Mr Raul Berzosa, the Minister of Culture, Mr Emilio Marcos Vallaure, and his predecessor, along with his Deputy Minister, Mr Juan Tuñón, the Abbot of Covadonga, Mr Fernando Hevia, and of course to the Government of the Principality of Asturias, which has organised and participated in this great event, and particularly its President Mr Francisco Álvarez Cascos, a renowned admirer of Jovellanos, evoking the memory of the illustrious Asturian, Melchor Gaspar de Jovellanos, on the Bicentenary of his death, which we are commemorating this year.

Finally, with these words, this time without music, I would like to commemorate and honour the hymn that all Asturians hold close to their heart, wherever they are.”

Blessed be the Queen
of our mountain whose throne is the cradle of Spain
and who shines above more beautiful than the sun. She is Mother and she is Queen. Come, pilgrims,
before her we inhale loves divine
and in her is the soul of the Spanish people.

Fernando Masaveu
President