The 25th National Band Meeting 'Daniel González-Mellado' is set to take place this weekend at the Gran Teatro de Manzanares. Organised by the AMC 'Julián Sánchez-Maroto', this event has become a key fixture in the cultural calendar of Manzanares, thanks to the efforts of many individuals over the years. This was highlighted by the Councillor for Culture, Jesús Romero, during the press conference announcing the event.
The meeting will feature a double session on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November. The first day will showcase two invited bands, starting at 20:30. The evening will open with a performance by the Asociación Musical Moteña from Mota del Cuervo (Cuenca), returning to the event after their last appearance in 2002. The second part of the evening will feature the Societat Musical L'Artística Manisense from Manises (Valencia). As explained by the local association's president, Francisco José Parra, around 85 musicians will perform on stage, interpreting works by renowned international composers for band such as Eric Whitacre, Jan van der Roost, James Barnes, and Oliver Waespi.
The closing performance, scheduled for Sunday at 19:00, will be delivered by the host band, AMC 'Julián Sánchez-Maroto'. Under the title 'Pórticūs' (meaning 'door' or 'portico'), the group aims to present an artistic proposal symbolising “a transition towards new horizons.” This edition marks the first under the direction of Antonio Fernández Palomino, who described the programme as “an evocative journey through different eras and soundscapes.”
The preparation for this demanding repertoire, which includes works by well-known composers like Saül Gómez Soler, Rossano Galante, and Thomas Doss, has required extensive rehearsal efforts from the local ensemble. Furthermore, the president announced that saxophonist and teacher Martín Cantarero Velázquez will be featured as a soloist in one of the pieces.
Tickets for the National Band Meeting 'Daniel González-Mellado' can be purchased in advance at the Rehearsal Room this Friday from 19:30 to 21:00, as well as at the Gran Teatro box office one hour before each concert. Individual tickets are priced at €6, while a pass for both events costs €9 for the general public and €7 for members.
