Spain’s many world-class music festivals are rooted in a thriving music and cultural scene throughout the country.
When Picture This Post spoke to rising star violinist Ana Maria Valderrama before her standing ovation performance on August 24, 2016, she took great pride in thinking of herself as an ambassador of Spain and Spanish culture.
Valderrama says, “We are a small country and our musical traditions were interrupted by the Civil War– especially for violin. But we are a very passionate country and I feel that passion too..
“Spain has a lot of talent. Many young people feel the music in a special way. This is true of painters and writers too. We are a very cultural country…”
Click to read the full review of Ana Maria Valderrama and Luis del Valle Dame Myra Hess Concert here.
Spain, which is a favorite tourist destination for architecture, food and wine, and natural beauty also boasts many world-class music festivals.
Here are some tips on top music festivals in Spain that will allow you to tap into the thriving musical scene that Valderrama references. Bookmark these links to Spain’s music festivals for updates on specific dates and programming each year-
Palau de les Arts (Reina Sofía) Opera House and Performing Arts Center
Where: Valencia
When: Year round programming
Canary Islands Music Festival
Where: Canary Islands
When: January and February
More Canary Islands Music Festival Info
International Sephardic Music Festival
Where: Cordoba
When: June
More Sephardic Music Festival Info
International Music and Dance Festival (Granada)
Where: Granada
When: Summer, TBA
International Festival of Music and Dance in Santander
Where: Santander in Cantabria Province
When: August, TBA
Pau Casals International Music Festival
Where: Tarragona, Catalonia
When: Summer
Cuenca Religious Music Festival
Where: Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha Province
When: Semana Santa (Easter Week)
More Religious Music Festival Info
Cordoba Guitar Festival
Where: Cordoba, Andalusia Province
When: July
More Cordoba Guitar Festival Info
Pedraza Candelight Music Festival
Where: Pedraza, near Segovia
When: 1st and 2nd Saturdays of July
More Candlelight Music Festival Info
San Sebastian Jazz Festival
Where: Basque Country – San Sebastian
When: Summer, TBA
This is just the beginning. You can find many more concert venues and festival notes on the official Spain tourism website.
All photos courtesy of Spain.info
