Soprano Ana-Carmen Balestra explores music about freedom, identity, and origin with her program 'Pájaro Libre' at the Felix Meritis during the Grachtenfestival. She combines classical repertoire by Fauré, Strozzi, and Piazzolla with South American folk songs, accompanied by piano, cello, guitar, and percussion. Music about freedom and identity With the program Pájaro Libre ('Free Bird'), soprano Ana-Carmen Balestra takes you on a journey through music that deals with freedom, identity, and heritage. She connects classical songs by Monteverdi, Strozzi, and Piazzolla with South American folk songs and repertoire by Mercedes Sosa. The well-known Bésame Mucho will also be performed this evening. An ensemble of piano, cello, guitar, and percussion Balestra performs with an ensemble of four musicians: pianist Daan Boertien, cellist Maya Fridman, guitarist Kelly Johannes, and percussionist Marianna Soroka. The combination of these instruments gives the program a timbre that naturally connects classical and folk music. Finalist Dutch Classical Talent and nominee for the GrachtenfestivalPrijs Ana-Carmen Balestra studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory, the Copenhagen Opera Academy, and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where she won the Silver Medal. She has performed with the Royal Danish Opera, Welsh National Opera, and Opera2Day. In the 2025/26 season, she is a finalist for Dutch Classical Talent. She is one of three nominees for the Grachtenfestival Prize. Are you interested in this concert? Use the link on this page for tickets and more information about the concert as part of the series An Evening With .
