The Agrupació Coral Flors d'Urgell of Castellserà is experiencing a significant year as it marks a century of existence. This milestone has been highlighted by the achievement of one of its long-held goals: the re-establishment of its children's choir. This new formation, consisting of 14 children aged between 3 and 10 years, made its official debut during the traditional caramelles singing, as part of the grand centenary celebration that filled the streets of the town with music on Easter Sunday.
The children's choir, which had been active in the mid-nineties before disbanding, has returned to the stage after more than two decades. Its reappearance was marked by the song Som els petits cantaires, receiving a warm ovation from the audience gathered in front of the town hall. Previously, all members of the choir premiered the centenary anthem, Flors que canten, with lyrics by Lídia Sala and music by local composer David Pradas, selected through a competition.
“"The caramelles are a sign of identity, and I encourage this centenary to be not just a memory, but also a desire to continue collaborating."
During the event, the mayor, Marcel Pujol, affixed the centenary ribbon to the choir's banner, emphasizing the importance of the caramelles as an identifying element and encouraging the spirit of collaboration. The Coral Flors d'Urgell was founded 100 years ago by three local residents, including the town doctor, and has maintained its activity uninterruptedly, except during the Spanish Civil War, between 1936 and 1942. Initially, the choir was composed exclusively of men. From 1969, women were able to participate as 'destins', responsible for distributing banners, but it was not until 1995 that they began to sing. Currently, women constitute the majority of its members, primarily residents of Castellserà.
In its early days, under the patronage of the Cor Clavé, the choir performed exclusively the caramelles on Easter Sunday. Over time, it expanded its repertoire with Christmas songs and, subsequently, incorporated a wide variety of styles, from habaneras and sardanas to modern pieces. The choir, which currently comprises about 45 people, in addition to the newly incorporated children, is directed by music teacher and violinist Sílvia Rufach. With the return of the children's choir, the Coral Flors d'Urgell looks forward to a promising future.
To commemorate its centenary, the choir has scheduled various activities throughout the year. Among the highlighted events are a concert on Friday, June 12, together with the Banda Municipal de Bellpuig, which also aims to pay tribute to the region's musical entities, and the central event on Sunday, September 20, which will include a sung mass, a commemorative exhibition, a choir gathering, and a popular aperitif.
