SERAFÍN CASTELLANO GÓMEZ

The chance to be involved, for yet another year, in what is probably the best wind band contest in the world is a source of satisfaction and pride, firstly as a musician and secondly as a Valencian.

Music is one of my greatest passions. As an amateur musician I consider it a privilege to be able to take part in the Honorary Committee of the International Wind Band Contest "City of Valencia", a contest created in the nineteenth century to pay homage to music and Valencian musicians.

This Contest brings together two factors in a sublime combination: the supreme quality of the participating bands and the audiences' involvement and support. I believe that it is this combination which has made the Contest an international point of reference.

The Contest has always had the support and backing of Valencia City Council, which has made a committed contribution to the Contest and the promotion of wind band music.

For the first time in the history of the International Wind Band Contest "City of Valencia", bands from three different continents, Europe, Asia and America, will take part. This is a clear indication of the impact and importance the Contest has outside of the Valencian Region.

Forty-five bands enrolled to take part in this latest edition of the Contest, 20% more than the 2012 edition. This enormous increase in the number of bands who wish to take part is further evidence of the considerable international prestige of this music contest.

Music is the most significant manifestation of culture in our Region, where bands are an artistic and musical expression of Valencian cultural tradition.

The Region of Valencia has a total of 536 bands spread over its 542 towns. They are made up of a total of 40.000 musicians who are an important cultural, social and economic catalyst.

It is the welcome task of local government to protect, encourage and support bands, as they are an undeniable part of our cultural heritage which, furthermore, celebrate and showcase our own culture.With the belief that this edition, the 127th International Wind Band Contest "City of Valencia", will once again be a success both as a cultural and social event, it only remains for me to express my hope that this competition in support of bands, music and Valencia musicians continues to go from strength to strength.

Thank you.

D. Serafín Castellano Gómez
Conseller de Governación y Justicia de la Generalitat Valenciana (Regional Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice of the Valencia Regional Government)