The municipal symphonic band of Quintanar de la Orden has presented its programme of activities for the upcoming Santa Cecilia festival, which celebrates the patron saint of music and musicians. This year’s events will occur on 21 and 22 November.
The announcement was made in the presence of the Mayor, Pablo Nieto Toldos, the Councillor for Culture, M.ª Carmen Vallejo, and several members of the Municipal Corporation, along with Agustín Conde, a national deputy for Toledo and former Secretary of State for Defence. Also in attendance were the band’s director, Sebastián Heras Romero, along with representatives from the board and musicians of the group.
M.ª Carmen Vallejo expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the musicians and the band’s leadership, highlighting their involvement in numerous cultural activities throughout the year.
Sebastián Heras introduced the programme for the extraordinary concert scheduled for Saturday, 21 November, at 19:00 in the Centro Cívico Príncipe de Asturias. A notable feature of this concert will be the performance of young soloists from within the band. The repertoire will include pieces such as Los Parientes, which will be performed for the first time in Quintanar; Cinema Paradiso, featuring Marta Blanco on clarinet; Mozart's Concerto No. 1, with Beltrán López Moreno on horn, and a concertino for percussion and band, performed by Inés Heras. The programme will also include other symphonic compositions and pasodobles.
The festivities will continue on Sunday, 22 November, which is Santa Cecilia's day, with a parade leading to the Parroquia Santiago de la Espada, where a mass will be held at 12:00 in honour of the patron saint and in memory of deceased musicians. Following the mass, there will be a traditional procession to the Ermita de Intramuros and a Spanish wine gathering at Colegio Colón.
The Mayor praised the history of the municipal symphonic band and its role as part of the cultural heritage of Quintanar de la Orden, emphasising its contribution to the town's identity and social life. He congratulated the band on the prepared programme and encouraged both residents and visitors to join in the celebrations.
Agustín Conde also commended the Town Council and the band for keeping the musical tradition alive, underscoring the importance of promoting culture and artistic training to foster new talents.
