Concert from Asturias, Spain, given in the Vatican

(November 26, 2011) The guest of honour at the concert sponsored by the Asturias foundation, played by the symphonic orchestra of the principality of Asturias in Northern Spain, was Pope Benedict XVI. It took place Saturday at 6 in the evening. In his discourse of thanks, the Pope expressed his appreciation of the Spanish style of the music played and in particular noted that in this Spanish style was included the Christian faith of Spain, a bit of which had been transported to the Vatican audience hall. Some of the strains of music revealed the deep Catholic tradition of that country, with a particular emphasis on the devotion to the Blessed Virgin. The director of the orchestra was the Chilean Maximiano Valdes.