GLÒRIA TELLO COMPANY

Now celebrating its 133rd edition, the International Wind Band Music Contest - City of Valencia is a musical event that we, the citizens of Valencia, must acknowledge, and above all, be proud of, for there are many aspects that make this contest unique and recognised the world over.

The healthy rivalry among participants, an entire year of hard work that goes into its planning, and the hope of winning the contest in its various divisions as well as the thrill of offering a magnificent performance -- all of these aspects are a reflection of the musical DNA which characterises the contest and the spirit championed by our musical organisations.

We find ourselves here once again, at an event that is even more accessible to the public, bringing together more than two thousand musicians participating in the various concerts at a number of contest venues. These include the much-awaited pre-contest concerts held in different districts across Valencia as well as those held at the Palau de la Música. Moreover, it is the only annual contest of this size, and the only one which features the greatest number of participating bands (in number of musicians), compared to other national and international wind contests. We also need to bear in mind one aspect of considerable importance in times like these, such as the fact that this contest gives out more prize money per prize and per participation.

In relation to its international identity, we should point out that this year the contest will welcome a total of twenty-eight musical organisations from three continents: twenty-four from Europe, three from the Americas - Colombia, Canada and Argentina - and one from an Asian country, namely, China. And it's precisely this aspect which we want to emphasise this year, by creating a novel programme that includes a very special Presentation Gala that will bring together musical organisations from North America, Asia, and Europe. A bridging of cultures from the world of wind bands that will kick off an intense week of music.

Loyal to our mission of bringing the Contest to anyone interested in an event of this type, and thanks to new technology, we will be able broadcast the concerts live via the CIBM València website. This is an extensive source of information including all the results and prizes awarded in each division, as well as any other details about the contest of interest to the public.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome participating musicians from this country and abroad and invite everyone to come and enjoy this contest - one that has adapted to the times whilst preserving tradition; a leading competition in the Region of Valencia and internationally; a lively event with nothing but success in its future.

Glòria Tello Company
Local Councillor for Culture and President of the Organising Committee.