María Dueñas released Homage to Heifetz on August 28. The programme pairs Korngold’s Violin Concerto with Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole, following a combination associated with Jascha Heifetz’s recordings.
The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Its tribute is expressed through repertoire and performance connections, rather than a claim that a new recording can duplicate the earlier violinist.
Large works and miniatures share the programme
Alongside the orchestral pieces, Dueñas recorded shorter works with pianist Itamar Golan. The selections include music by Debussy and Ponce, bringing a different musical scale into the collection.
For three miniatures, she played the 1731 “Heifetz, Piel” Stradivarius, an instrument once owned by Heifetz. That instrument credit applies to the identified selections; it should not automatically be extended to every track on the album.
A tribute can connect several histories
The choice of repertoire, the use of an earlier performer’s instrument and the new recording partnership are separate links to explore. Recognising their different roles makes the tribute more specific than a general statement about influence.
For an introduction, the release announcement links videos from the programme, including Lalo and the shorter pieces. The album then places those contrasting formats together, allowing an orchestral work and a miniature to remain distinct parts of the same project.
Released: August 28, 2026 · Homage to Heifetz.
Source: Official release announcement.
