From July 13 to 21, 2024, València will become the world capital of wind music with the 136th edition of the Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Música “Ciudad de València.”
València’s mayor, María José Catalá, presented the event at the Palau de la Música, calling it a “global musical benchmark” and assuring that this edition “will be exceptional.”
Catalá highlighted the dedication of the organizers and participating musical societies. “This year we have nearly doubled the budget to almost 600,000 euros, which is twice the amount allocated in 2023. Additionally, we have increased the prize and participation incentive fund by 45%,” she stated.
This year’s edition will feature over 40 bands, including 21 in competition, 4 guest bands, and 17 performing in preliminary events, totaling 3,175 musicians.
An audience of around 15,000 people is expected. For the first time, the contest will be broadcast in its entirety by the regional television channel À Punt, covering the entire honor section.
The contest will take place in various iconic locations around the city, including the Palau de la Música, which is hosting the event after five years of renovations.
The program includes concerts, conferences, and roundtables from July 13 to 17, leading up to the official competition.
During the festival, individuals will be recognized for their contributions to wind music. This year’s honorees are the esteemed conductor and composer Salvador Chulià Hernández and, posthumously, journalist Octavio Hernández Bolín.
Chulià, renowned for his program “Nuestras Bandas de Música” and its associated website, has been a significant promoter of the contest and symphonic music, with over 400 compositions and numerous awards.
For more information about the contest and its program, visit the official website at cibm-valencia.com.
