The Premiere of 'Metalepsis' by Josep Planells Schiaffino, XLII Reina Sofía Prize for Musical Composition

Performed by the RTVE Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Christoph König, the piece was met with a long ovation from the audience, who recognized the strength and originality of a music capable of combining tension, silence, and energy within a discourse of great expressive richness.

In an atmosphere of emotion and solemnity, Her Majesty Queen Sofía presided over the event and presented the award to the composer, accompanied by Sergi Ferrer-Salat, president of the Ferrer Music Foundation. During his remarks, Ferrer-Salat highlighted the importance of continuing to promote contemporary creation as a cultural driving force and a reflection of our society.

A work of exploration and sonic dialogue

Metalepsis captivated listeners with its interplay of contrasts, dramatic structure, and capacity to create ever-changing soundscapes. Throughout its twenty-minute duration, the RTVE Orchestra delivered a performance of great precision and commitment, emphasizing the detail and subtlety of Planells’ writing.

The composer expressed his gratitude to the musicians for their dedication and for the opportunity to hear his work come to life for the first time before an audience.

A commitment to the music of today

With an endowment of €100,000, the Reina Sofía Prize for Musical Composition is the most highly endowed award of its kind in Europe and an internationally recognized benchmark of prestige. Through this prize, the Ferrer Music Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting contemporary creation and supporting new talent.

Following its premiere at the Teatro Monumental, Metalepsis will become part of the repertoire of the Spanish National Youth Orchestra (JONDE) during its 2025–2026 tour, and Josep Planells will be appointed artist of the Xarxa de Músiques de Catalunya, where he will premiere new chamber works.

A night of music and celebration that reaffirms both the vitality of contemporary composition and the role of the Ferrer Music Foundation as a driving force for creativity and artistic excellence.