ALFONSO RUS TEROL

Music is an important part of the history and tradition of our region. The Valencian people have close links to their wind bands: nearly every town in the province has at least one. Already a part of this cultural heritage, this year the International Wind Band Contest celebrates its 127th edition with the participation, for the first time, of bands from three continents: America, Asia and Europe.

Our towns and cities have always celebrated their special occasions accompanied by wind bands; they are an important part of our heritage and the Valencian Provincial Council, as part of its continued support of Valencian culture, in 2010 launched the Retrobem la Nostra Música program, a demonstration of the staunch backing this institution offers the wind bands and choirs in the province.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the participants, their relatives and friends who have come to Valencia to take part in this international event. They come from countries such as Singapore, Venezuela, Austria or Japan, countries with very different cultures and traditions but which are united by the common bond of music.

In the outstanding setting of the Palau de la Músic, in the Turia gardens, this event brings together today's best wind bands. Without a shadow of a doubt, this edition of the Contest will prove to be another enormous success and will serve to further consolidate its position as the oldest and most prestigious band summit in the world.

Alfonso Rus Terol
President of the Diputació de València (President of the Provincial Government)