The Iberian Sinfonietta presents its Community Concerts series at Palacio de la Paz in Fuengirola on June, 13 at 7pm with free admission until the hall fills up. Culture officials have introduced this established initiative within the local programme and classical music enthusiasts receive welcome news as the concerts directed by Juan Paulo Gómez return to the venue.

Programme features major works by Beethoven and Schubert

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 4 in G major, opus 58, leads the evening programme. This composition stands as one of the most emblematic by the German master. Schubert’s Symphony No 4 in C minor completes the bill. This symphony ranks among the strongest examples of his symphonic writing.

Acclaimed pianist Zhiqiao Zhang serves as soloist

Iberian Sinfonietta engages Chinese pianist Zhiqiao Zhang for the Beethoven concerto. Zhang ranks among leading young pianists on the world stage. His awards include first prize at the Fujairah International Piano Competition and gold medal success at the Carles and Sofia International Piano Competition.

Zhang grew up in a musical family and started training early in life. He has performed in halls including Jordan Hall in Boston and Shenzhen Grand Theatre.

Juan Paulo Gómez conducts the orchestra

Juan Paulo Gómez serves as musical and artistic director of Iberian Sinfonietta and the Malaga Provincial Youth Orchestra with more than thirty years of professional experience. He focuses on training young musicians through educational projects and direction of national and international orchestras. Concert activities and teaching as professor of Orchestral Conducting at Malaga Higher Conservatory of Music have continued since 2006.

Community Concerts series brings music to all

This performance allows the Community Concerts cycle to continue its aim of making classical music accessible to all audiences via free high quality concerts. Classical music fans in Fuengirola value the series as one of the leading local cultural events.

Scottish holidaymaker Aileen wrote an emotional letter to Benalmadena lifeguards after they came to her aid when she lost consciousness on the beach.

The handwritten note was sent by 62-year-old Aileen days after lifeguards responded when she became unwell on the beach on May 29. Addressed to lifeguard Melanie Waller and the SOS team, the message thanked them for their “care and assistance” during the incident.

“Thank you very much to everyone for your help and attention. Knowing they were there, I was able to enjoy the rest of my vacation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Aileen wrote.

Lifeguards responded after woman became dizzy and lost consciousness

According to reports, the incident occurred at around 5.30pm on May 29 when staff working from a hammock station in front of the Gloria Bendita beach bar alerted Benalmadena’s lifeguard service that a woman was suffering from dizziness and required urgent assistance.

First responders Melanie Waller and Rodrigo Escobar were dispatched to the scene, where they found Aileen sitting on the ground displaying symptoms of dizziness.

During their initial assessment, the woman was not responding normally and shortly afterwards lost consciousness again. Lifeguards reported that she appeared pale, had bluish lips and was experiencing breathing difficulties.

Given her condition, emergency protocols were activated and medical assistance was requested, with the situation initially assessed as a possible Priority 1 emergency.

Emergency response praised after tourist recovers

After several minutes receiving assistance, Aileen regained consciousness, allowing responders to reassess the incident as a Priority 2 case.

During the intervention, she complained of thirst and was given sugar water under the supervision of the lifeguard team. Once her condition stabilised, responders identified her as a Scottish tourist visiting Benalmadena on holiday.

Local reports praised the quick actions of both the hammock attendant who raised the alarm and the lifeguard team that responded immediately, enabling medical resources to be activated without delay.

The incident ended on a positive note when Aileen later contacted the service to express her gratitude. Her letter has since been highlighted as recognition of the work carried out daily by Benalmadena’s beach rescue teams in supporting residents and visitors along the increasingly busy coastline.

Strengthened beach safety operation across Benalmadena

Benalmadena has recently announced the increase in coastal safety in the area with the launch of its summer vigilance and rescue operation, running from 15 May to 15 October. The plan brings in 45 lifeguards, rescue watercraft, a staffed ambulance and rapid‑response equipment across nine points of the coastline, to assist beach services during the areas busiest months.