JOAN RIBÓ I CANUT

It is once again with delight that I welcome the arrival of the world's oldest and possibly the most distinguished annual musical contest: the “City of Valencia” International Wind Band Contest, a competition whose appeal and international presence grows year after year thanks to the participation of wind bands from around the world.

Part of our annual July Fair, this cultural and artistic event is a source of great pride for a city like Valencia, which loves and feels music. We are proud to welcome more than 2,000 participants united by music but from distant and different places such as Argentina, China, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Belgium, Colombia, Portugal, the Canary Islands, Madrid, Ciudad Real, Toledo, Tenerife, and Albacete, just to name a few places from a long list which also includes Valencia, Alicante and Castellón.

The band music will begin on the 14th July with the inaugural gala concert featuring three guest wind bands from three different continents - Asia, America, and Europe - which will join forces to perform the Pasodoble València by Maestro José Padilla, probably one of the world's most well-known and popular pasodoble pieces. This will certainly be an exciting and moving moment. This will be followed by the Pre-Contest Concerts taking place the 15th to the 17th which will then give way to four evenings of concerts offered by competing wind bands in three divisions. Quite a treat for wind music lovers!

As mayor, it is gratifying to see how the city’s “Govern de la Nau” (three-party coalition), has, from the outset, spearheaded the city council’s support for this exceptional competition. This is a contest which serves as a model for the artistic potential of our city and popular Valencian culture present in all the events and celebrations that take place here. Another year we are witness to the Valencia’s international standing in wind band music and in music education for our youth, who are fortunate to have this education starting at a very young age. This phenomenon transcends borders and sets us apart from the rest of the world.

This year’s €43,000 in prize money; the substantial aid given to the wind bands participating in the four different divisions; the fact that of the 21 bands entering the contest, there are nine bands from the Valencian Region, eight from other Spanish cities, and four from abroad; and the presence of the Banda Primitiva de Llíria participating out-of-competition in the Honorary Division to mark its bicentennial; these are just a few of the many ingredients that will make this 133th edition of the International Wind Band Contest City of Valencia an unforgettable event.

A warm and enthusiastic welcome to you all, and my sincerest gratitude to all participants and those who have worked to bring the best wind music to the City of Valencia.

Joan Ribó i Canut
Mayor of València