Seated in the intimate wood-paneled library of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, an entralled audience wasn’t just watching a performance—they were feeling it. The Spanish pianist at play took them on a journey, weaving the sounds of his homeland into a program that felt both deeply  personal and universally moving. “Some people told me they cried,” musician Antonio Galera shared afterward.  “And that, for me, is the best I can do.” 

The Hispanic Society Museum and Library’s 2025 Transcripciones concert series showcase (beginning with Part I via Galera’s “Cordes”) wasn’t just another concert. It was an invitation — to see classical music in a new light, and to wholly let it surprise you.  

Meet Antonio Galera

 
Galera is the first-ever artist-in-residence at the Hispanic Society, and he has built a career rooted in both Spanish tradition and a broader global influence. Born in Valencia to a family of musicians, he found his artistic voice studying in Paris, where he was exposed to a cultural landscape that deepened even more his appreciation for music.  

“For me, coming from a smaller city, the sheer amount of cultural activities in Paris was  incredible,” he explained. “At the time, Valencia didn’t have an opera house — so he states that “being able to  experience that in Paris shaped me profoundly.” 

His repertoire reflects this duality—he is a champion of Spanish composers, but his love for  music transcends borders. “I love playing Schubert, Mozart, and Bach,” he shared, “but I also feel a responsibility to bring lesser-known Spanish composers to the stage.”  

A Concert Designed to Shift Perspectives  

That innate sense of discovery was at the heart of “Cordes”, a program built around transcripciones — works originally written for the guitar but adapted for the piano. It was an idea that fascinated  Guillaume Kientz, the CEO and director of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library. “People often associate Spanish music with the guitar, but sometimes the guitar is wrongly seen as something casual, while the piano holds a higher status,” Kientz explained. “This concert took the audience à contre-pied — catching them off guard — by making them hear familiar pieces in a  completely new way.”  

That element of surprise is exactly what makes concerts like “Cordes” so compelling.

It’s easy to assume that classical music is rigid or predictable, but when artists like Galera challenge those  notions, the experience becomes something entirely fresh.  

Creating a Space for Classical Music to Thrive  

The Hispanic Society’s concert series has been running since 2010, bringing a diverse range of artists to New York audiences. However, this year was different. Mencia Figueroa, the museum’s director of special events and public relations, saw an opportunity to push the program further. “For years, we had amazing musicians come through, but I wanted something deeper,” she mused. “With Antonio, we weren’t just hiring an artist for a night — we were bringing in someone who would engage with our collection, our archives, and create something new.”  

That creative approach extends beyond just one concert. Future performances in the series will explore how Spanish literature and painting can be interpreted through music, further blurring the lines between art forms.  

Why This Matters, And Why It’s Free  

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Hispanic Society’s programming is its accessibility. In  a city where high culture often comes with a hefty price tag, these concerts remain free to the  public.  

“We believe that art should be available to everyone,” Kientz said. “And not just available — high-quality. Our goal is to provide the best possible experience, without money being a barrier.”  That commitment to accessibility is what makes events like “Cordes” such a perfect entry point for  those new to classical music. “The first time is always a great experience,” Kientz added. “With music, you don’t have to make an effort—it comes to you. You just have to be open to it.” 

The concert series setting was also intentonally intimate, which made its music feel especially moving. Galera described it best:  “It felt like a salon concert, almost like playing at home.” The real success of “Cordes” won’t be measured by ticket sales or audience numbers (though the room was packed full during this first listen). It  will be measured by the people who left the concert eager to return, who told their friends about what they experienced…and who started to see classical music as something that might even be for them.

Maybe next  time, that will be you. 

You can find more information on upcoming Hispanic Society Museum & Library events including the concert series online at https://hispanicsociety.org/program/concert-series/concert-series/ as well as their weekly newsletter. The venue is open to the public, free of cost, and located in NYC at 613 W 155th St, New York, NY 10032 for visitations.