Multiple reviewers shared their impressions from Orquesta de Valencia’s guest performances at the Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid last weekend, their first appearance there in 22 years. A clear consensus is discernable on the orchestra’s excellence and finesse under their chief conductor and artistic director, Alexander Liebreich, joined by the remarkable violinist, Sergey Khachatryan. The program opened with Valencian composer Martin y Soler’s Overture to La capricciosa Corretta, followed by Brahms’ violin concerto and the monumental “Also sprach Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss.
A selection of excerpts from the press:
“Liebreich and the Madrid triumph of the Orquestra de València”
Of the Strauss: Fantasy, uncertainties, convictions and the philosophical background of Nietzsche’s book of the same name that inspired Strauss inhabited this close and faithful reading in letter and spirit, in which the entire orchestra shone. […] A perfect night in which everything acheived excellence. Orchestral pride!
Of the Brahms: Naturally, the National Auditorium collapsed at the end of the performance, which benefited from Liebreich’s attentive, complicit and effective accompaniment.[ …] It was a perfect and intimate complement and culmination of a performance in every way outstanding.
Of Martin y Soler: The fussy Brahms and the meticulous Strauss would have enjoyed and applauded them greatly.
— Justo Romero, Beckmesser / Levante, 01.03.2026
A very big success, in any case, with an enthusiastic reception from the audience that filled the room to the brim. […] The success was understandably great for the orchestra and conductor after the performance of the tremendous Straussian score, for this interesting and very enjoyable visit of the Orquestra de Valencia to the Auditorio Nacional series.
— Rafael Ortega Basagoiti, Scherzo, 28.02.2026
With confidence, without flaws, with executive clarity, clean textures, differentiation of sound facets and total dedication of all its members, Liebreich and the orchestra of Valencia offered a performance of impeccable polish that was warmly applauded by an audience that filled the National Auditorium.
— Raúl Chamorro Mena, Codalario 02.03.2026