El Somni d’en Walt: A Magical Night Marking Rubén Gallardo’s Return to the Stage

Just a month ago, Marratxí experienced an unforgettable evening with El Somni d’en Walt, a musical show paying tribute to 100 years of Disney magic. Part of the 2025 Marratxí Festivals, the concert brought together the Marratxí Municipal Band under the direction of Silverio Duato, featuring original arrangements by Rubén Gallardo, who also made his long-awaited return as a soloist after five years away from the stage.

The production, led by Sarts Produccions and executive-directed by Sandra Mayol, transformed Disney’s cinematic classics into a band format while preserving their emotional essence and musical richness. Gallardo, responsible for meticulously adapting every note, stood out for his artistic sensitivity and his ability to maintain the magic even without traditional orchestral elements.

Alongside soloists such as Deborah Montserrat and Inés Piqueras, Gallardo delivered a performance full of emotion and depth, creating a palpable connection with the audience. “This concert is not just music; it’s an immersion into cinema, into the memories that have shaped generations,” the composer stated prior to the event.

Gallardo, responsible for all the musical arrangements, took on the challenge of adapting Disney’s complex original scores to a symphonic band format. His work was meticulous, respecting the cinematic essence of each piece while reinventing the orchestral nuances so they could come to life without strings or ethnic percussion. “Bringing a symphony orchestra to a band sound has been an exciting challenge. Every note has been treated with the utmost care to keep the emotion intact,” the composer explained.

But his involvement went far beyond the score. For months, Gallardo worked closely with the Marratxí Band, overseeing every detail, guiding the musicians, adjusting dynamics, and ensuring that each suite conveyed the magic he had envisioned. His constant presence throughout the creative process turned the project into a living work, where every chord bore his personal touch.

As a soloist, Gallardo returned to the stage, performing some of the repertoire’s most iconic pieces on guitar and percussion. His performance was intimate and emotive, creating a deep connection with the audience.

El Somni d’en Walt was more than a stage performance: it was a celebration of the evocative power of music and cinema, a tribute to the dreams that continue to inspire generations. In an atmosphere full of emotion and shared connection, the audience once again believed in magic, recognizing that when talent and passion come together, the performance becomes a shared memory.