Summary
- The 71st International Habaneras and polyphony Contest will be held from July 20 to 26, 2025, in Torrevieja’s Municipal Theater.
- Over 700 choir members from nine selected groups, spanning Europe, Latin America, and Asia, will participate in the competition.
- An exciting parallel program includes recitals, masterclasses, and conferences spread throughout the city’s pedestrian streets and churches.
- The contest features significant prizes totaling €49,500, including prestigious awards like ‘Ricardo Lafuente’ and ‘Juan Aparicio.’
- free public viewing on large screens in Vista Alegre Promenade and live streaming on official websites and local TV enhances accessibility.
The 71st International Habaneras and polyphony Contest Lights Up Torrevieja
Torrevieja, Spain - From Sunday, July 20 to Saturday, July 26, 2025, the beautiful coastal city of Torrevieja will once again host the renowned International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest, a celebration of choral music that attracts enthusiasts and professionals from around the globe. Now in its 71st edition, this festival is a pillar of cultural identity for the region and boasts an notable lineup of choirs and parallel cultural activities, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Why This Event is Unmissable
Declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 1994 and recipient of the Medal of Cultural Merit from the Generalitat Valenciana, the certamen (contest) is considered one of the most prestigious choral competitions in the world. This year, due to ongoing archaeological works at the customary venue “Eras de Sal,” the Municipal Theater will be the main stage for all concerts and competitions.
Participating Choirs from Around the World
For 2025, the technical committee of the Patronato Municipal of Habaneras carefully selected nine choirs from numerous applications, marking a broad international depiction:
| Choir | Origin |
|---|---|
| Voskresinnia | Ivano Frankivsk, Ukraine |
| Voci del Mare | Cartagena, Colombia |
| Guangzhou Talent choir Beijing | Beijing, China |
| Zebtysqua Voces Oscuras | Bogotá, Colombia |
| Gioia Da Camera | Colombia |
| Agados Singers | Seúl, South Korea |
| Alegría | Madrid, Spain |
| Balta | Riga, Latvia |
| France peseren Kranj | Slovenia |
These groups represent a blend of cultures and musical traditions spanning Europe, Latin America, and Asia, sharing their passion for both habaneras and polyphonic music.
The Musical Program and Tribute
Every choir will open their competitive performance with the “obligatory” piece – a special tribute to the composer Mario Bustillo and lyricist Mari Paz andreu,both integral to Torrevieja’s habaneras tradition who sadly passed away just over a year ago. Their legacy is honored with the choice of their work ”Torrevieja es así” as the compulsory piece for this year’s event.
Key Details of Competitions and Parallel Activities
- Concert Times: Each night starts at 22:30 in the Teatro Municipal,featuring both competitive choir performances and special guest acts.
- Free Public Viewing: Large screens with seating will be set up at Vista alegre promenade near the Monument to the Chorister for live free access to all concerts.
- Live Broadcast: Streaming available via the Patronato’s website and local TV station TVT, with the Valencian channel À Punt broadcasting the grand finale.
- Parallel Events: Recitals, conferences, masterclasses, and exhibitions will take place across pedestrian streets and historic churches from July 21 to 26.
Highlights from the Parallel program
- July 24: Vocal recital by the deep-voiced ensemble “Alma Salinera” in Concepción pedestrian streets; choral exhibition by “Voci del Mare” in Nuestra Señora del Rosario church; competitive concert with choirs from Colombia and South Korea.
- July 25: Conference on Mari Paz Andreu’s life and contributions; street concert by the Cecilio Gallego string orchestra; competitive performances by Spanish, Latvian, and Slovenian choirs.
- July 26: Morning conferences with choir directors; official reception by the mayor Eduardo Dolón; dance spectacle “Danza para un certamen”; exhibition by “Voskresinnia” choir; grand gala closing concert with prize awards and communal singing.
Meet the Expert Jury
The contest jury includes some of the most respected names in choral music today, such as:
- Bernadet Kühne (Murcia) – Prestigious conductor with multiple national and international awards.
- David Colado (Asturias) – Esteemed director and instrumentalist with broad orchestral experience.
- Julia Forurria (Euskadi) – Award-winning conductor and music educator.
- Josep Vila (Catalonia) – Artistic director with extensive background in orchestras and choruses.
- Javier Corcuera (Madrid) – recognized conductor and professor with leadership in prominent choral groups.
Prizes and Tickets
The choir competition will distribute a total of €49,500 in prizes across 11 categories, including:
| Prize Category | First Prize (€) | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| Habaneras “Ricardo Lafuente” | 12,000 | Main trophy |
| Habaneras Second “Francisco Vallejos” | 5,000 | Trophy included |
| Habaneras Third “Francisco Grau” | 2,500 | Trophy included |
| Polyphony “juan Aparicio” | 10,000 | Main trophy |
| Polyphony Second “César Cánovas” | 4,000 | Trophy included |
| Audience Prize | 2,000 | Voted by abonados |
Ticket prices for the week-long event are very accessible, with full abonos (passes) costing €50, general opening gala tickets at €15, and nightly tickets from July 21 to 26 priced at €8. Pensioners receive a 50% discount. Tickets and passes can be bought online or at the Teatro Municipal’s box office.
How to Attend and Stay Informed
For more details and ticket purchases, visit the official Patronato municipal de Habaneras website and affiliated ticket portals.You can also contact via phone at 966 70 77 15 or 965 71 55 79, or email francisco@habaneras.org and habaneras@habaneras.org.
Celebrate Harmony in the Heart of Torrevieja
The 71st edition of the International Habaneras and Polyphony contest continues its tradition of fostering cultural exchange through music and reviving the unique habanera genre. Whether you are a choral music fan or simply looking to enjoy vibrant cultural festivities, Torrevieja is the place to be this July.
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