2013 WASBE Conference, Valencia, Spain
WASBE is proud to announce that Valencia, Spain will be the host for the upcoming 16th international WASBE conference from 7-13th July, 2013. We will continue to strive towards the importance of quality in all areas of our music by presenting the best bands around the world, quality repertoire of all levels, unveiling the unknown treasures of Spanish, and other European music, and of course strengthening musical relations between Europe and the Americas. As was the focus of our previous conference in Asia, we will continue striving towards the goals of WASBE.
Considered one of the most unique cities of the world, Valencia is known for its wind band traditions that date as far back as 1709 with the establishment of its first band. Since then, the city has expanded this tradition and is now home to 536 bands, many of which are outstanding ensembles of high quality, and recognized worldwide. Their success is attributed to the nearly 300,000 dedicated individuals involved in these musical societies, as well as each societal emphasis on music education through the teaching of beginner musicians in their own music schools. Performing more than 3200 wind band concerts every year, wind music has become the backbone to the community´s cultural life and is heard in all Valencian festivals, both religious and secular, and in the great majority of towns in the region.
Valencia is recognized for hosting international wind band contests every summer for the past 125 years, attracting the finest ensembles from around the world. Although performances are often of higher quality, many of their beautiful concert halls are typically filled with enthusiastic audiences providing unbelievable atmospheres. Many bands often have music composed for these contests, which in turn facilitates the growth of repertoire in Spain. Because much of this repertoire is still unknown to other parts of the world, it is our hope to expose more of Spain’s wind music at this upcoming conference.
Valencia is also world famous for its vibrant architecture and concert halls. The ‘Palau de la Música’ was inaugurated in 1987 and is now considered one of the most important music centres in Europe. The concert hall features two main performances spaces: the Jose Iturbi Hall which seats 1,817 people and is known for its excellent acoustics, and the Rodrigo Hall which has a seating capacity of 423. In addition, the ‘Palau the la Musica’ also features several exhibition and rehearsal halls. Other performance venues in the region also include the ‘Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia’(pictured on the Home page) a magnificent opera house recently built in 2006 consisting of five concert stages. The ‘Palacio de Congressos’ is another wonderful facility located in Valencia, which in 2010 was recognized as the Worlds best Convention Centre by the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC). This centre houses three auditoriums frequently used for concerts.
We are all looking forward to this great event. Wind bands and ensembles wishing to perform at the 2013 WASBE Conference in Valencia, Spain should contact the Executive Director for further information. You´ll find more information on the WASBE Conference in future issues of "WASBE World" magazine and on the website!