SERAFÍN CASTELLANO GÓMEZ


To speak of music associations is to speak of our most prized hallmarks of identity, of a unique phenomenon that characterizes the Valencia Region, of a socio-cultural phenomenon with a long history which has raised our profile worldwide. Our music associations represent culture and music with a capital 'c' and 'm' but also, and above all, the pride that comes from being and feeling Valencian. They have been, are, and will be our international calling card.

Our music associations are a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which allows citizens to actively participate in the life of their towns. Music associations and wind bands, together with the musicians and members who belong to them, are the prime example of how Valencians experience our musical heritage.

The ordinary, everyday quality of our music associations is precisely what makes them so extraordinary. That so many Valencians have belonged to a music association since they were children, or the fact that there is a musician in almost every family, or even that various members of the same family share a passion for music, is an expression of how deeply rooted our music associations are in all our towns, or at least in the vast majority of them, of their importance and how closely connected they are to the Valencia Region. This experience of belonging to a band and growing up with it is something that many of us have viewed as perfectly normal. However, in reality, this turns out to be something singular and exceptional, as no other community has such a widespread and deeply-rooted musical tradition as our Region, which we could describe as a land of music and great musicians.

The Valencia Region has a rich cultural heritage and a unique and valuable musical tradition which we experience, defend, spread and support in all its facets. Personally, as a Valencian, as a politician, and as the head of the department relevant to this area, I feel particularly proud of this musical heritage, which is unparalleled.

Without doubt, the International Wind Band Contest "City of Valencia" is a cultural reference point, the supreme band event and a springboard for the international reputation of our bands. In short, this Contest, which has been celebrated for no less than one hundred and twenty-seven years, has been an important milestone in the history of our bands.

Taking part in this prestigious contest is an attractive prospect for a band and winning it is a dream come true for all self-respecting musicians. Consequently, year after year, our bands improve their musical skills to compete at the highest level with their international rivals.

Today, this Contest is known all over the world, as are our beloved wind bands which garner so much admiration. Therefore, I feel great personal satisfaction in forming part of the Honorary Committee of the International Wind Band Contest "City of Valencia" which for another year will, without doubt, stir up everyone's interest in our Region and our musicians. For another year, music and this Contest will make our Region great.

Because I love this Region and believe in its history, its roots and the hallmarks of its identity, I wish to take this opportunity to express my commitment, as Minister for Governance and Justice, to music and our music associations, the stars of this Contest, who once again will position our Region on the frontline of the international cultural horizon.


D. Serafín Castellano Gómez
Spanish Government Representative in the Valencian Region