Tenerife Film Orchestra and Choir

tenerife film orchestra and choir

As its name suggests, this orchestra and choir deals exclusively with music from films and other audiovisual media. It is the first of its kind in the whole of Spain and, since its creation, in 2005, it has been attracting film makers from all over Europe to record music for their films.

The initial reason for its creation, however, was to fill a gap for this service specifically in the Spanish film industry.

Consisting of 85 orchestra members and 44 choir members, the giant ensemble was the brainchild of Spanish composer and conductor Diego Navarro and English clarinettist, Michael Kirby.

Diego Navarro

A native of Tenerife, born in 1972, Diego Navarro was an early starter in the world of music, already composing works when in his early teens. By the tender age of 21, he had formed his own orchestra.

Initially teaching himself both piano and guitar, he eventually began formal music education at the Music Conservatoire in Santa Cruz. Three years later, he spent time at Trinity College, London, furthering his studies.

His writing of film scores took off in 2002, with the music for the Spanish cartoon feature Puerta del Tiempo ("Time Gate"). His style has been compared with the likes of John Williams and Ennio Morricone.

With a career going from strength to strength, he is currently feted as one of the most promising practitioners in the area of Spanish film music.

Michael Kirby

Beginning to learn the clarinet at the tender age of eight, Michael showed such promise that, by the time he was just 13, he gained admittance to the prestigious Chethams School of Music, in Manchester, England - for musically gifted children only.

Soon, he transferred to London, where he was tutored by Jack Brymer, principal clarinettist, at various times, with both the Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestras.

Michael has played, over the years, in several youth orchestras as principal clarinet, then finally, in 1987, took up a similar post in the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

In his time, he has worked with many celebrated conductors and also enjoyed a successful career as a soloist.

His role within the Tenerife Film Orchestra is orchestra manager.

The Choir

This collection of 44 choristers is directed by Cristina Farrais, a native of Tenerife.

She began music studies at the extremely early age of four, eventually entering the Conservatoire in Santa Cruz aged only nine! Initially studying piano, she began singing in choirs and has been tutored in both vocal techniques and choir conducting by the likes of Joan Ferrer, the famous opera singer.

She has performed as solo singer many times and, as well as classical music, has delved into such alternative genres as jazz and "pop".

When she is not performing her duties as Choir Master of the TFO choir, she finds time to both perform professionally and to teach piano and singing.

tenerife film orchestra and choir

The orchestra and choir is based at the Guimara Theatre, in Santa Cruz, which is where it carries out recordings.

As well as film makers from Spain, the orchestra invites commissions from all over Europe.

The finest recording equipment is used, which, together with the enviable acoustics of the theatre, make for a fine finished product.

Every year since 2007, the orchestra has performed at the Fimucite festival, an event consisting of concerts at various prominent venues, where the music from blockbuster films is performed.

tenerife film orchestra and choir