The musical ensemble from Alcanar, under the direction of Pascual Arnau Beltran, was the most highly rated by the international jury gathered at the Casa de Cultura in la Sénia. The Banda Unió Musical de Tarragona also participated in the contest, but it was the BMMA that stood out, adding another success to its long history.
“"I feel immense pride for each and every one of the musicians. It's not just an award; it's the result of many hours of rehearsal, sacrifice, and, above all, an immense passion for music and for our band."
The mayor of Alcanar, Marc Chavalera, who also participated as a musician in the contest, expressed his gratitude to the band members for their dedication and commitment, highlighting them as the soul of the ensemble. He also gave special recognition to the leadership and demanding work of the director, Pascual Arnau Beltran, for helping the band grow day by day.
“"I want to express my most sincere gratitude to each and every one of the musicians for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment. They are the soul of the band and an example. And I want to give very special recognition to the director, Pascual, for his work, leadership, and high standards, making the band grow day by day."
This triumph adds to the BMMA's remarkable trajectory, which includes a second prize in the same la Sénia contest in 2009, and another second prize at the “Fem Banda” Symphonic Band Competition in Lleida in 2017. The band also participated in the prestigious International Music Band Contest City of Valencia in 2014. With 181 years of history, the Alcanar Municipal Music Band is the oldest in Catalonia and was awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi by the Generalitat de Catalunya in 2020.
During their performance at the XVIII Vila de la Sénia Music Band Contest, the BMMA performed the pasodoble Larga Cordobesa, by Francisco José Martínez Gallego; the compulsory piece Evocazioni, by Paul Huber; and Las puertas de Janus. Una realidad opuesta, by Juan Expósito Cárceles, as their free choice piece. The jury was composed of Slovenian conductor Andreja Šolar, composer Juan Durán, and ESMUC director Núria Sempere.
