history

Félix Crespo Hellín

Councilor for Festivals and Popular Culture and

President of the Organizing Committee the International Band Competition “City of Valencia”

Now that the schools have broken up for the summer and we can begin to enjoy the summer sun, the “City of Valencia” International Band Competition makes its appearance once again in the world of music with renewed energy. Valencia faithfully hosts this contest, which is now over one hundred years’ old, every July, and the best bands from all over the world come to compete for the best awards with their magnificent performances.

At the beginning of a new century and a new millennium, the contest continues its renovation process, prepared to face the difficult challenge of remaining fresh and adapting to new times. The conditions of the competition are gradually being modified, in an attempt to make the event more attractive; help for participating bands is being increased; the various sections of the competition are being reorganised, in order to make the event more competitive; appointing members of the jury has become even more transparent, if this is indeed possible, by introducing the system of a draw from amongst prestigious and outstanding musicians; and a prize for the best Valencian band taking part in the competition has been created.

The city of Valencia is proud of this musical event, and it accepts the challenge to keep it alive with its inventive character, prepared for it to become a model for artistic contests that will be followed both within our country and abroad. This spirit of permanent renovation is reflected by the innovative features that are being introduced in the competition which, with the collaboration of musical societies, we endeavour to maintain and improve each year.

Our most sincere welcome to all who are taking part in and attending the event, as well as to those who simply adore it, as each person is an essential and fundamental element that makes it possible for this musical miracle to be held year after year with ever growing success.