Orihuela, Spain, is set to host a unique concert on , blending musical performance with a celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The event, titled ‘Música de Pasión’ (Music of Passion), will take place at the Iglesia del Colegio Diocesano Santo Domingo and feature performances by the Unión Lírica Orcelitana (ULO) and the Cantores de la Primitiva Pasión ‘Federico Rogel.’ Organized by the Orihuela City Council’s Department of Culture, the concert aims to highlight three of the city’s designated ‘Bienes de Interés Cultural’ (BIC) – properties of Cultural Interest.
The concert isn’t simply a musical performance. it’s conceived as a deliberate effort to showcase the depth of Orihuela’s cultural assets, both tangible and intangible. The city’s cultural wealth is reflected in its monuments, churches, artwork, festivals, and traditions. By uniting music, history, and tradition, organizers hope to underscore the importance of preserving and promoting Orihuela’s identity.
Central to the concert’s significance is the inclusion of the ‘Canto de la Pasión de Orihuela,’ recognized as a BIC in 2019. This unique musical manifestation of Valencian traditional culture is deeply rooted in oral tradition and holds significant historical, artistic, musicological, and ethnographic value. The performance will be tailored to the date and character of the event, taking place within the historically significant setting of the Santo Domingo church.
Adding further weight to the event is the participation of the Unión Lírica Orcelitana (ULO), the oldest musical society in Orihuela, boasting an 85-year history. The ULO has dedicated itself to the dissemination of musical culture and the education of generations of local musicians. Its contributions have been widely recognized, earning numerous awards and, notably, BIC Inmaterial status in 2018 and designation as a Representative Manifestation of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021 by the Spanish Council of Ministers. This recognition underscores the ULO’s enduring impact on the cultural landscape of Orihuela.
The choice of the Iglesia del Colegio Diocesano Santo Domingo as the venue is itself symbolic, emphasizing the concert’s connection to Orihuela’s historical and artistic legacy. The event is designed to utilize music as a vehicle for the conservation, dissemination, and transmission of the city’s identity and traditions. The concert’s organizers emphasize the importance of highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Orihuela, using music as a means to preserve and share its unique character.
The concert’s organizers have made available contact information for those seeking further details: the Orihuela City Council’s Department of Culture can be reached at +34 96 673 80 44 or via email at cultura@orihuela.es. The event represents a focused effort to connect the community with its cultural roots, offering a compelling example of how artistic performance can serve as a powerful tool for heritage preservation.
While the provided information doesn’t detail the specific repertoire planned for ‘Música de Pasión,’ the concert’s title and context suggest a program centered around themes of passion and spirituality, likely drawing from sacred musical traditions. The combination of the ULO’s established choral tradition and the unique vocal style of the Cantores de la Primitiva Pasión ‘Federico Rogel’ promises a performance that is both musically rich and deeply resonant with the cultural identity of Orihuela.
The event’s focus on BIC-designated cultural assets also speaks to a broader trend in Spain of recognizing and promoting local heritage. The designation of properties of Cultural Interest is a key mechanism for protecting and preserving Spain’s diverse artistic and historical legacy. By showcasing these assets through a public concert, Orihuela is actively engaging its community in the stewardship of its cultural inheritance.
The concert’s timing, in February, may also be significant, potentially aligning with the pre-Lenten season or other local religious observances. Further details regarding the specific program and any associated cultural events would provide a more complete picture of the concert’s broader context within the Orihuela cultural calendar. However, the event clearly positions itself as a celebration of Orihuela’s identity and a testament to the enduring power of music and tradition.
