Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) is collaborating with the Fundación Archivo Manuel de Falla in designing and deploying an ambitious multidisciplinary program to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the illustrious composer from Cádiz. Declared an "Event of Exceptional Public Interest," this homage pays tribute to one of the most consequential figures in 20th-century Spanish music, whose artistic legacy elevated Andalusian tradition and flamenco to the highest international stages, updating musical language from its cultural roots.

The Manuel de Falla Archive, a key musical documentation center based in Granada, safeguards the composer's immense and meticulous documentary legacy. On the occasion of this double anniversary —2026 also marks the 80th anniversary of his passing in Argentina— AC/E actively joins the cultural program by co-funding and technically coordinating three fundamental milestones of the commemorative calendar:

1. Exhibition: "Manuel de Falla esencial" and Complementary Activities

Curated by Yvan Nommick, this exhibition offers a unique journey through a selection of key documents and exceptional pieces from the archive that have never been previously displayed to the public, revealing the depth of his musical and human testament.

Granada Venue: Exhibition hall of the Centro Cultural Manuel de Falla, from June 18 to October 25, 2026 (organized within the framework of the Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Granada).

Madrid Venue: Exhibition hall of the Sociedad General de Autores y Editores (SGAE), from November 2026 to early February 2027 (as part of the Encuentros Manuel de Falla).

Parallel Activities: The Madrid exhibition will be enhanced by a concert by pianist Azumi Nishizawa at the SGAE Falla Hall and a specialized film cycle at the SGAE Berlanga Hall, featuring the latest film releases dedicated to the composer.

2. Encuentros Manuel de Falla: Personal Archives of 20th-Century Composers

A space of high scientific and research value that will gather experts and directors from major documentary centers safeguarding the legacies of musicians contemporary to Falla in Granada.

Dates: October 22 and 23, 2026.

Annual CEM Meeting: On October 24, the annual meeting of the Centre Européen de Musique (CEM) will take place, featuring representation from the archives of great masters such as Beethoven, Brahms, Casals, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Liszt, and Kodály. This meeting will boost the launch of the VÍA Manuel de Falla: a transnational cultural and scientific project designed to connect the cities where the composer resided across Spain, France, and Argentina, highlighting his role in the cultural dialogue of a decisive era for Europe.

3. Commemorative Concert by Javier Perianes in Cádiz

The musical highlight will take place on the exact date of the 150th anniversary of the composer's birth. The renowned Andalusian pianist Javier Perianes, as part of his ongoing international tour, will offer an extraordinary concert in the composer's hometown, performing Falla's complete works for piano. To ensure maximum attendance and open the commemoration to all audiences, the concert will feature popular, accessible ticket pricing.

Venue: Gran Teatro Falla, Cádiz.

Date: November 23, 2026.