Societat Filharmònica Alteanense

The origins of the Sociedad Filarmónica Alteanense date back to 1889. One hundred and thirty-four years of a band that has obtained more than thirty prizes and awards throughout its history, with special significance the first prizes obtained in the Frankfurt International Contest (1973), in the World Music Contest WMC Kerkrade (two gold medals in 1985 and two gold medals, honorable mention and banner of honor in 1989), Certamen de la Diputación de Alicante (1986 and 1988), Certamen de la Comunidad Valenciana (1986), Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Música “Ciutat de València” (1987 and 1990), Campo de Criptana (1994).

The most recent awards are the gold medal with honorable mention at the XV World Music Contest WMC Kerkrade 2005 and the First Prize at the Filarmonia D'Ouro International Band Competition (Portugal) 2016. Numerous distinctions and recognitions occupy the showcases, among which is that of Importantes del Diario Información of November of the year 2000, and of Spanish cities and other European countries. In 2004 it was awarded the Premio Euterpe, the highest distinction granted by the Federación de Sociedades Musicales de la Comunidad Valenciana.

In addition to the symphonic band, the Sociedad Filarmónica Alteanense includes a polyphonic choir, a rondalla, a chamber orchestra, a dolçaina i tabalet group, several chamber groups and its music school, with more than 350 students. Likewise, it organizes numerous activities every year, among which the Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Música Villa de Altea stands out, one of the most prestigious in Europe.

It has also been conducted, as guests, by such prominent composers and conductors as José Fuster, Fernando Penella, Jef Penders, Vicente Perelló Doménech, Pablo Sánchez Torrella, Rafael Talens, Bernabé Sanchís, Julio Ribelles, Enrique García Asensio, Bernardo Adam Ferrero, Frank De Vuyst and Jordi Francés Sanjuán.


Rafael M. Garrigós García

He has studied horn, piano, composition, choir conducting and orchestra conducting in the conservatories of Valencia, Madrid, Granada and Murcia, obtaining the Extraordinary End of Studies Award in Composition and Choir Conducting.

He is a professor at the Conservatorio Profesional “Guitarrista José Tomás” in Alicante where he has taught the subjects Symphonic-Choral Conducting, Orchestra, Musical Information Technology and Musical Language.

He has been principal conductor of, among others, the Banda de Música ”La Primitiva” de la Associació d’Amics de la Música de Callosa d’En Sarriá, Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra of the Societat Filharmònica Alteanense, Symphonic Band of the Societat Filharmònica Alteanense, Symphonic Band of the Societat Musical “La Alianza” de Mutxamel, Symphonic Band of the Sociedad Filarmónica Unión Musical de Agost, Unión Musical de Canyada (Alicante), Banda Sinfónica de la Sociedad Instructiva Unión Musical de Tavernes de la Valldigna (Valencia), and Unión Musical Santa Cecilia de Enguera (Valencia). Currently, 16 years later, he returns as principal conductor of the Banda Sinfónica de la Societat Filharmònica Alteanense.

He is musical director of the Orquesta de la Compañía de Ópera y Zarzuela “Compañía Lírica de Andalucía” with which he has conducted numerous performances of great zarzuelas.

He has been invited to conduct orchestras and bands in Spain, Italy, Colombia and Portugal, and has taught different workshops and Conducting Master Classes in Spain, Italy and Colombia in collaboration with ANBIMA (Italian National Federation of Bands), Federación de Sociedades Musicales de la Comunidad Valenciana, Conselleria de Educación of the Comunidad Valenciana, Consejería de Educación de Andalucía, etc.

During 2013 he was selected as artistic director of the Jove Banda Simfònica de la Federación de Sociedades Musicales de la Comunidad Valenciana, performing concerts in cities such as Madrid and Valencia, and concert tours through Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium, invited by WMC de Kerkrade.