Introduction

Pablo Sarasate had two great passions: music and his homeland. He was born in Pamplona, and even though he only lived there until the age of two, the capital of Navarre was a constant point of reference throughout his life. His fellow countrymen always treated him as a highly charismatic figure.

A great ambassador for Pamplona throughout the world, through his concert tours of Europe, the Americas and Asia, the most universal musician ever to have emerged from Navarre, he attended the San Fermín Festival every year in the last three decades of his life, where he was always greeted by huge crowds. When in Pamplona, he performed a great many concerts, took part in debates, and generally enjoyed mingling and spending time with his fellow countrymen.

In 1897, he promoted the foundation of the Santa Cecilia Orchestra, which named him its Honorary President.

In 1897, the City Council set up a museum in his honour, which still houses many of his prized possessions.

In 1902, the City Council named him Pamplona's Favourite Son and honorary guest, and welcomed him home when he died in 1908, just a few months after awarding him the insignia of the Great Cross of Alfonso XII.

He was laid to rest in a beautiful mausoleum in Pamplona's Berichitos cemetery.

In 1991, the Regional Government of Navarre created the “Pablo Sarasate” International Violin Contest, held every two years (www.cfnavarra.es/sarasate).

A stroll around the city today provides a faithful reflection of the origins of Pamplona’s most universal citizen, considered the best violinist of his time and the most performed Spanish composer outside of Spain of all time.

My dear fellow countrymen know that I’ll never change; I’ll always love my country and my people, the people from Navarra…

Complete biography of Pablo Sarasate