Historical note: a recollection of 16 September 2026 at PIA ARENA MM, Yokohama.

For years, I dreamed of hearing that music live. When the moment finally came, the most beautiful thing was realizing who was sitting beside me.

I have loved music since I was a little boy. And of all the music I have listened to throughout my life, film soundtracks have always meant something very special to me.

Some music ends when a film ends. But other music stays with you. You hear a few notes many years later, and suddenly images, feelings, and moments from your own life come back. For me, film music has always had something of that.

And for so many years, I had a dream: to see Hans Zimmer live.

But I could never make it happen. Whenever he came to Japan, for one reason or another I could not go. When I was in Spain, the timing never worked out either. And I was always left with the same feeling: 'Someday.'

That someday finally arrived on September 16, 2026, at PIA ARENA MM in Yokohama. At last, I was there.

A Hans Zimmer Live: The Next Level World Tour 2026 poster announcing 16 September in Yokohama at PIA ARENA MM.

— ◆ —

But the real gift was sitting beside me.

Of course, hearing Hans Zimmer's music live was already something enormous for me. Being there in front of that production, those musicians and artists, listening to music I had associated with films and memories for so many years... It was a dream.

But something else made that night mean so much more. My daughter Sonia was beside me.

As the music filled the venue, I was not only watching the stage. Every now and then, I looked at my daughter. I looked at her face. I wondered what she might be feeling at that moment.

And I felt something very hard to explain: one of my lifelong dreams was coming true, and I could share it with one of the people I love most. There are moments in life when, even as they are happening, you know you will remember them forever. That night was one of them.

A concert stage beneath sweeping yellow light beams, with large screens above the musicians.

— ◆ —

'At last, I am here.'

The concert was... I cannot find another word. Breathtaking.

The sound. The lights. The screens. The sheer number of musicians. The power of all those artists on stage. And that music I had listened to for so many years, suddenly coming to life before me.

There were moments when I simply watched and listened. And I thought: 'At last, I am here.' After so many years. After all those times it had not been possible. This time, it was. I was there. And Sonia was with me.

Musicians perform on a concert stage while a bowed string player is shown on large overhead screens.
An illuminated human-shaped figure with raised arms radiates beams of light against a dark background.

— ◆ —

There is a thank-you that belongs in this story, too.

When I think about having been able to experience a night like that, I inevitably think of my students, too. Of the women who give me the strength every day to keep teaching and keep dancing.

Students who write me messages full of affection. Who worry about me. Who show me kindness in little ways. Who sometimes even prepare food for me to help me in my everyday life. Who give me a gift simply because they feel like it.

These may seem like small things. To me, they are not. Each of those gestures is part of the strength that keeps me going.

Because thanks to the people who trust my work and keep learning flamenco with me, I can continue dedicating my life to teaching and dancing. And, every now and then, I can also allow myself experiences as special as yesterday's: going to hear an artist I have admired for so many years, with my daughter beside me.

That is why, although they were not physically there with me, I thought of them too, in a way. Thank you. Thank you from my heart for walking this path with me. Often, you may not realize just how far a small gesture of affection can reach.

Three percussionists hold mallets beside large timpani beneath a concert screen.
A band and choir perform on multiple stage levels beneath red and orange concert screens.

— ◆ —

Sonia.

Thank you for coming with me. Fulfilling my dream of seeing Hans Zimmer was wonderful. But now that I think about it, the most important memory I take with me is not just having been there. It is having been there with you. That is what I will remember.

Two people smile for a close-up selfie from the arena stands, with audience seats and a stage behind them.

If you ever have the opportunity to experience Hans Zimmer Live, I recommend that you do.

Yesterday reminded me again of something I have always felt. There is music you listen to. And there is music that goes straight through your heart. Yesterday, I was able to hear that music beside my daughter.

AlitaDePollo