Kicking off 2026 with great spirits
[ en español aquí ]
Our best wishes to each of you who read this News in this new year with so many challenges ahead. In the studio we hope to have the strength to live up to it, and we wish the same to each of you with your goals.
From the Mirlo Studio News, after the celebrations, Manuel Gimferrer tells you about his path as a classical musician, Georgina Mauriño brings you her independent and open look to the future with her books, of course. Finally, I myself from Mirlo Studio propose you new tools to navigate the digital world towards which we are progressing without losing sight of the defense of our human rights.
Manuel en enero
At the beginning of this year (as in almost all of them, to tell the truth), my thoughts turn to all the road traveled so far and all the people who have accompanied me in my personal life and in my professional career. Therefore, I would like first of all to thank especially those of you who follow and read this newsletter. Apart from my personal friends, I think of all those I met during my studies in Madrid (at the CPM Adolfo Salazar, at the Prado Museum...), also those from Ithaca College and New York, as well as others from unforgettable conducting Masterclasses, and many others with whom I have shared extraordinary moments. As I do not use social networks, this is the thread that I maintain with many of you, and that is why it is important for me to know that we are still in touch here. Thank you!
Looking back, I also realize all the teachings and advice I have received from different mentors, teachers, friends, and a long etcetera... That is why, when updating my Curriculum this time I am highlighting the names of outstanding teachers in the field of conducting, and how they have marked me professionally. I feel honored and grateful for that, and it is also a reminder to myself not to forget where I come from, and how my journey has been...
That said, time continues to pass and, as every arrival of a new year, the illusion and new goals reappear, plus the work does not stop (even if we have rested a little during these dates).
To begin with, we have resumed rehearsals this week in the Municipal Choir of Velilla de San Antonio with a new but exciting repertoire, combining Opera, Zarzuela and religious works in order to be able to give the maximum number of concerts during the dates of Holy Week.
At the same time, in Filarmonía we are already in full swing with the next concert, which is none other than ‘Antología de la Zarzuela’ , a concert always very exciting and special ... and that has already sold out! Here is a testimonial of of last year’s wonderful performance.
In a few weeks I will tell you more...
Georgina in 2026
My reading pace has accelerated, there is so much to learn! So instead of bringing you only books, I think it is more interesting to bring here my personal view on issues that I consider fundamental and urgent today, because they will mark the future. I start the year with the issue of Privacy on the Internet, one of the cornerstones of a social contract, which today is in question.
Anecdotes of mine. A few weeks ago a person close to me repeated the argument that she did not mind being watched on the net because she had nothing to hide... Later I remembered my father, who preferred to make his donations to charities privately and anonymously (now they are called solidarity NGOs, but they are dedicated to the same thing)... And suddenly the historical fact came to my mind that the Nazis used the databases of the administrations themselves to locate the Jews in the countries they were invading. But...
Privacy as a fundamental human right is recognized by law. You can find its trace in the laws that we men have given ourselves to defend them. For example, this is how the right to privacy is enshrined in The Privacy Act of 1974 as well as in the Spanish Constitution Article 18.
Why is privacy not respected then, and nobody says anything? When someone dares to violate the law, it is because he or she benefits from it. Therefore, the more accurate question should be: who benefits from the constant violation of our private space (qui prodest)? The answer today is extensive at this point, since there are many beneficiaries, starting with big tech, and continuing with all the businesses that depend on your data for their survival. Because of vested interests, an inexplicable impunity has been established, and ordinary citizens, who provide our data as indispensable “fuel” for the system, are sold that “privacy does not matter”.
Is all lost, and can I do anything to defend my rights? Of course all is not lost, and we can defend our privacy. But, the responsibility lies with each one of us. They say that fundamental rights are those that you take for granted until they are taken away. So, the first thing is to start thinking for yourself, and realize the systematic surveillance to which you are subjected, and how this surveillance is transformed into behavioral manipulation. Then, perhaps it is time to ask yourself, is this the world we want to leave to our children?
Reading books or audiobooks is a good first step, as is being attentive and remaining curious, outside of the mainstream media. My favorite readings and other materials for delving into this topic are:
1984 by George Orwell. Published in 1949, this novel is surprising in how science fiction has become reality. “Big Brother is watching you” is an expression of profound meaning coined in this title...
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff. An essay by a Harvard professor that is excellently documented, very extensive ( ), and revealing (data that confronts us with reality, however uncomfortable it may be). Published in and dedicated to the author’s grandchildren, as a testimony to a time when those who wake up may be freed from the slavery of the internet. Available as an audiobook.
A Cypherpunk Manifesto. An article published in by a community of engineers aware of the power of the internet and its dangers to human beings.
An essential documentary: The Social Dilemma, where you will find some of the major players in the construction of social networks expressing their tremendous burden of conscience. The origin of the documentary is precisely the need to make amends, but its courageous message is only valid if we each accept our responsibility. »» Trailer ««
Marc Vidal’s YouTube playlist on Social Control, Surveillance, and Technology
These materials are only a small selection. My intention is not to overwhelm but to show various paths so that everyone can choose the starting point that interests them, and thus start this necessary conversation. There are different perspectives, and some truths may be uncomfortable, but the important thing is to raise questions and open a debate, which is essential now, also for the sake of the next generations.
I see 2026 as a crucial year to prepare ourselves, not for the inevitable crisis, the change we are already entering, but for the coming rebirth. Let us begin by regaining our space, the control of our values, and the direction of our lives.
For my part, I bid you farewell with the wish that in the new year you keep your spirit alert and in control of your destiny.
Thank you for reflecting with me. I look forward to seeing you.
Mirlo’s positive thinking 💡
As I look back on this turn of the year, I want to offer my most positive outlook toward a future that will bring new possibilities for the most creative humans. But we will need to prepare for new times with new digital tools if we want to take advantage of them.
I understand Georgina’s position and wonder about the value of privacy for artists specifically, something we discussed a while ago, which you can read about here.
To protect your personal privacy (and that of your family) today I bring new tools, beyond the software recommended in our Newsletters of the end of 2025. These are camera protectors and bug blockers for your devices. These physical privacy protectors can be easily found on Amazon itself. And also Faraday bags can help protect your devices (cell phones, cards, Ipads, computers, etc.), as well as defend your rights. Some time ago Georgina told us about these Faraday bags (there are many brands and prices). She discovered them thanks to information from a Spanish army commander. Be sure to take a look at these products which are not only legal but also highly recommended.
It is also a very advisable practice to disconnect from the Internet when you want to enjoy real privacy, and recover time to think on your own, out of the noise of the Internet. It is very healthy.
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Thinking already on the study website, I advance you that in 2026 we will spend some time to organize our file for registration on the blockchain a the tokenization of licenses. This has more to do with another right, that of property - Intellectual Property specifically - and may sound a bit messy. But, we have a plan mapped out and we believe it won’t be complicated to execute. It’s our big plan for 2026.
We’ll be bringing you news. If you’re an independent artist or author, you won’t want to miss it.
See you soon!