Summary
- The 30th anniversary of the Youth Habaneras Contest will take place on March 7 and 8, 2025.
- The event aims to highlight the importance of choral music among the youth.
- Competitors include youth choirs from Caceres, Oviedo, and Ávila.
- the jury comprises professional musicians from prominent music conservatories.
- Tickets are priced at 5 euros and can be purchased online or at the venue.
30 Years of Celebrating Choral Music at the Youth Habaneras Contest
The vibrant city of Torrevieja is gearing up for a important event as it prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Youth Habaneras Contest. Established in 1995, this contest has been a cornerstone in promoting choral music among the youth and complements the adult version held every summer.This year’s event promises to be extra special wiht activities split across two days, on March 7 and 8, 2025, at the Municipal Theater.
Enhancing the Experiance
In a bid to enhance the overall experience, the organizers have decided to separate the opening gala and the competition into two different days. Antonio Quesada,the City Councilor of Culture,remarked,“This youthful contest serves as an excellent thermometer for measuring the choral situation nationwide. We are fortunate to have a wealth of children’s and youth choirs today,assuring the continuity of this musical genre.”
A Memorable Opening Gala
The festivities kick off on Friday, March 7, at 7 PM with an exciting performance titled ‘A Story Called Habanera’, presented by the Choir of La Purísima-carmelitas College. This educational institution is leading a pedagogical project focusing on music native to Torrevieja, with students showcasing habaneras from various eras. The original text for this small musical play is crafted by Amparo Cos, while the musical direction will be helmed by Aurelio Martínez López.
Quesada noted the outstanding educational work being done at the school: “Beyond the quality of this piece, it reflects a significant effort to preserve the habanera and to introduce new generations to our most symbolic songs.”
Competition Day: March 8
The second day,Saturday,March 8,will feature strong competition with three national youth choirs vying for the coveted title.The participating choirs are:
- youth Choir of the Official Music Conservatory ‘Hermanos Baeza’ from Caceres
- Arsis Choir from the Divertimento Music School in Oviedo
- La Voz de las Emociones Choir from IES Isabel la Católica in Ávila
Starting at 6 PM, approximately 200 singers will perform at the municipal Theater, with ‘con sabor a sal’—a piece composed by Ricardo Lafuente with lyrics by María Teresa Pertusa—as the required performance.
Additionally, the Symphony Choir from the Municipal coral School will entertain the audience while the jury deliberates.
Building Future Talent
The Youth Habaneras Contest has a rich history of nurturing young talent, with many accomplished groups eventually performing at the international adult festival. Quesada highlights this evolution, noting how previous winners like the choir ‘Encanto’, which won the Audience Award in 2024, have their roots traced back to this youth contest.
Qualified Judges and Prizes
The judging panel will comprise respected music professionals, including:
- Rosario Torres, director of the Gines Pérez de la Parra choir
- Iñaki Lucumberri, choral professor at the castellón Superior Conservatory of Music
- José Vicente Campello, choir professor at the Utiel Conservatory in Valencia
The winning choir will receive a prize of 3,000 euros, while the second and third places will be awarded 2,000 euros and 1,000 euros, respectively. Quesada remarked, “We are delighted with the growth of the Youth Habaneras Contest, as we have seen increases in attendance.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for both performances on March 7 and 8 are available for just 5 euros. They can be purchased online at habaneras.org or via email at hola@culturatorrevieja.com. Tickets can also be bought in person at the box office of the principal Theater located in Plaza Miguel Hernández from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 1 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Remaining tickets will be available on the day of the concerts starting at 5:30 PM if they are still available.As the city prepares for this significant event, it looks forward to another inspiring year of musical party and cultural significance.