Around the Music Festival

Marisa Manchado, one of Spain’s leading composers, died on October 28 following a train accident near Urdá. She was 70 years old. A recipient of the 2024 Spanish National Music Award and the first president of the Madrid Composers’ Association, she played a pivotal role in advancing the work of female composers in Spain.

Born in Madrid, she studied under Carmelo Bernaola at the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, and later furthered her training with Antón García Abril, Luis de Pablo, Brian Ferneyhough, and Olivier Messiaen.

Subsequently, she held various positions, including Deputy Director for Music and Dance at the National Institute of Performing Arts and Music. From 1998 to 2000, she served as the inaugural president of the Madrid Composers’ Association and laid the foundations for the Madrid International Contemporary Music Festival.

In 2023, she released the opera “La Regenta”, co-produced by Teatro Real and others, and established her reputation by portraying the central female character of the story from a modern perspective. In addition, in recognition of her creative activities, which include over 150 works including vocal pieces, chamber pieces, and orchestral pieces, she received the 2024 Spanish National Music Award.

On the 27th, while on her way to the University of Seville to attend a meeting concerning her music, she was involved in an accident; her death was confirmed on the 30th.

PHOTO：David Morales