Valencia - Music & Opera

Valencia and music		Festivals & Venues		History
Joaquín Rodrigo www.joaquin-rodrigo.com No other composer has incarnated the soul of Spain such as Joaquín Rodrigo born in Sagunto in the suburb of Valencia, on November 22nd, 1901. The father of the very well-known " Concierto de Aranjuez " was born on St Cecilia's Day. At the age of three he became blind; his family moved to Valencia where he attended a specialised school. There, he developed his love for music and studied the piano and the composition at the conservatory. In 1924, Juglares, his first work for orchestra is premiered in Valencia. In 1927, he joined Paul Dukas’s class in Paris. In France, he has been recognised as pianist and composer and began a friendship with Honegger, Milhaud, Ravel and above all, Manuel de Falla. He toured in Germany, Austria and Switzerland before coming back to Spain where he moved to Madrid. In 1940, the famous guitar concerto, which has always maintained its popularity, met with huge success. Several tours followed one another. In 1942, he received the National Music Prize for a work and in 1996, he has been awarded the Prince of Asturias Prize, the most important Spanish distinction given for the very first time of its history to a composer. Joaquín Rodrigo, one of the great emblematic figures of the Spanish classical music of the twentieth century, died on July 6th, 1999, in Madrid.		Palau de la Música Due to its excellent acoustic, the Palau de la Música is considered as one of the most important venues in Europe, according to Placido Domingo “the Palau is a Stradivarius”. This modern building from 1987 designed by the architect José María Paredes is the seat of the Orchestra of Valencia. One of its most distinguishing features is the glass enclosure. It is located in the gardens of the Turia and with the palm trees in the interior it seems like a greenhouse. Palau de les Arts «Reina Sofia» The four halls of the Palau de les Arts are part of the City of Arts and Sciences. Constructed recently, this brand new part of the complex is equipped with the latest technologies which allow to present any kind of classical and contemporary performance. There is also one hall which is completely dedicated to chamber and baroque music. Another innovation is to offer an educational programme in order to attract a new generation of music lovers. The inauguration of the Palau de les Arts took place in October 2005 but the season will only start in October 2006. The next World Opera Contest Operalia – Placido Domingo, one of the most famous opera singers’ competition on an international level will be organised in this new venue. Orquesta Sinfónica de Valencia The Symphonic Orchestra of Valencia founded in 1943 has a new Chief Conductor – Yaron Traub. Its programmes combine famous works with a less known repertory. The seat of the Orchestra is the Palau de la Música but it also gives concerts all over Europe: The 2005/2006 season in France, England, Italy, Turkey as well as in Germany where the Schleswig-Holstein Festival will be one of the significant events. Festival Ensems - Festival of Contemporary Music of Valenciaa In the second half of May, this festival gathers the best Valencian artists as well as international ones. In 2005, the festival paid homage to the French composer Olivier Messiaen and to the Spanish conductor and composer Cristóbal Halffter .		138 AD Foundation of Valencia by the Roman consulate of Decimus Junius Brutus under the name of Valentiae Edetaronum. 75 AD The town was razed to the ground during the war between Pompey and Sertorius and then abandoned for half a century. Middle of the 1st century Beginning of a long period of development characterised by urban growing. 554 Because of the Byzantine invasion of the Southeast peninsula Valencia becomes strategically important. 8th century The Muslim period begins and the Valencians change rapidly their language, their religion and their costumes. 1088 - 1238 In 1088, under the reign of King Alfonso VI, El Cid conquered Valencia and dominates the town until his death in 1099. During this period, he tries to christianise the population and turns nine mosques into churches, as for example the cathedral. Then, the Moors invade again Valencia until 1238 when King Jack 1st of Aragon re-conquers the city and puts an end to the Moorish domination. The Middle Ages Relationships between the city’s three main communities – Christian, Jewish and Muslim – were strained throughout the Middle Ages. The 15th century Thanks to its silk industry, Valencia becomes a well-known centre of trade in Europe. The city also knows cultural and artistic development proved by main paintings, sculptures, literature and buildings of that period. The Bourbon town of the 18th century The presence of troupes during this century results in the fortification of the city. With regard to music, the composers Cabanilles and Martí y Soler came to the fore. The 19th century After various insurrections and the 1868 Revolution, the first Republic is finally declared in 1873. Valencia is then characterised by an high urbanisation illustrated by modern and eclectic buildings. The 20th century The industrialised 20th century city owes its prosperity to the tannery industry, the wood sector, the metallurgy and agriculture. April 14th, 1931 The Second Republic is proclaimed and in 1936, Spain’s capital is transferred from Madrid to Valencia. March 30th, 1939 Valencia capitulates and Franco’s troupes march in. 1975 The process of democratic transition begins after General Franco’s death. The Spanish Constitution of 1978 transferred main political powers to the Autonomous Community of Valencia. Today In the last two decades Valencia has undergone an amazing transformation with its flagship projects such as the Palace of Music, the City of Arts and Sciences, the underground, etc. Today, Valencia becomes more and more important in Spain as well as in Europe.

Architecture		Some Highlights		Gardens, Beach & in the surrounding area
The City of Arts and Sciences This is one of the major attractions concerning architecture. The architecte – Santiago Calatrava – is known all over the world for his futuristic work. The hanging gardens, the planetarium, the aquarium etc. attest its modernity. Avant-garde and creativity are mixed in the four magnificent buildings which are: The Hemispheric, the Sciences Museum Príncipe Felipe, the Oceanographic Park and the Arts Palace. The bridge and the underground station Alameda The bridge over the underground station is an example of innovative architecture in Valencia. This modern work links physics and aesthetics in an impressing way. The Palau de la Música This modern edifice was built in 1987 and is of avant-garde style. It is one of Valencia’s most important buildings concerning modern architecture. The facade is made of glass. The historic city centre Some of the city centre’s monuments are of Moorish influence. The both most impressing buildings are the Town Hall and the Post Office. San Catalina Church This is also a gothic construction but it also includes a remarkable baroque tower. Palacio de Batlia This building was declared “National Historic Monument”. It was built during the 15th and 16th century, but its facade corresponds more to 19th century style. Justice Palace It was built between 1758 and 1802 and despite its neo-classical style you can find some squiggles. In 1914, the whole building was remodelled by the architect Vicente Rodriguez who turned it in today’s Justice Palace. The Charles III statues on the top of the building were created by Ignacio Vergara in the 18th century. In 1982, the Justice Palace was declared “National Historic Monument”.		The Cathedral This cathedral was first a mosque then, after the city’s conquest by El Cid, became a catholic cathedral. Afterwards, it was again a mosque until the reign of the Christian King Jaume I. Because of its particular construction (started in the 13th century, finished in the 15th century with an early gothic style, and later reformed in the 18th century), the cathedral of Valencia has three main doors: a romanesque one, a gothic one and a baroque one. The most interesting aspect is probably the belfry which is - with a height of 51m and its 300 bells - one of the city’s symbols, known as the Miguelete. The principal chapel is of baroque style and the two lateral ones are neo-classical. Palace of the Marquis de dos Aguas This rococo palace is the main example of the splendour of the 18th century in Valencia. In the 19th century, French style balconies with balustrades were added. Inside there is the National Museum of Ceramics. Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square) On this square you will find the magnificent building of the town hall and other monumental buildings like the post. Lonja de la Seda (Silk Hall) The Silk Hall was built between 1483 and 1492 and its resemblance to old Medieval castles is based on the rigid appearance of a fortress accentuated by its stone walls. This Patrimony of the Humanity (UNESCO) is composed of four parts: the Tower, the Consulado del Mar room, the Patio de los Naranjos (Orange tree courtyard), and the Column Room Torres Serrano They are, in fact, one of the two entrance doors to the medieval Valencia. Both towers are situated next to a bridge over the river Turia which has been deviated in 1957 after a catastrophic inundation. Throughout the centuries, they had different functions like being prison or storage. Splendid view over the city. Torres de Quart The two cylindrical towers linked by an arc compose another entrance door. Estación Norte The railway station was built by the architect Demetrio Ribes in the beginning of the 20th century. The main cladding as well as the hall are decorated with Azulejos out of ceramic inspired by Valencian agriculture. Central Market This metallic edifice decorated with Azulejos was built during the 20th century to house the market which had been existing since the Middle Ages. This masterpiece of modernism has two cupolas on its top. San Vicente de la Roqueta Monastery and the Church The monastery is made up of a cloister, some chapels and Roman doors decorated with representations of San Vicente’s martyr. Plaza de Toros This neo-classicist construction was designed by the architect Sebastián Monleón and it is comparable to the amphitheatre in Nîmes or to the Coliseum. The colons are made of iron which is an architectural and artistic innovation at the construction’s time. Justice Palace (The former tollhouse) The neo-classicist building housed, in its origins, the Royal Customs which was responsable for all sea trade which made Valencia economically important during the 18th century. Later it became a tobacco factory and today the Justice Palace. Inside there is an enormous neo-classical staircase. San Juan del Hospital Built in 1238 by the knives of San Juan del Hospital and of Malta, this very well-preserved church is the oldest one of Valencia. Santo Domingo This church was built in 1510 and in 1532, the first theological chair was founded. In the middle of the 18th century, the church was renovated and baroque decorations were added.		Gardens and Beaches Botanical Garden It is one of the city’s oldest gardens and there is a large variety of plants from all over the world. Monforte Garden It is the only historic garden of Valencia. It was built during the second half of the 19th century. Real-Vivieros Gardens This garden is full of little paths with roses and pines. Furthermore, there is a little zoo and during the summer concerts are performed. North of the harbour Cabañal-Arenas Beach This urban beach with fine sand offers all kind of sports and games for children. It is animated during a big part of the year from the morning until the evening. Malvarrosa Beach It is Valencia’s urban beach par excellence. As it is ample and opened, with fine sand, it is very animated and you will find an avenue with lots of restaurants and cafeterias. South of the harbour El Saler Beach Thanks to its length of almost 5km and its fine sand, this beach is one of the zone’s most attended ones. It is protected by dunes and pines which make it natural and wild. During the summer, the wind “garbi” turns the beach into a surfers’ paradise. La Devesa Beach This beach has an extraordinary natural surrounding: dunes, pines, palm trees, holms, honeysuckle, etc. In the surroundings On the coast Sagunto : at 27km; Between the Sierra Calderona and the Mediterranean Sea Sagunto constitutes one of the most beautiful monumental cities that the Roman period left in Spain. The vestiges of the Diane Temple, the Castle, the two gothic churches and especially the Roman Theatre with music, dance and theatre festivals during the summer are witnesses of that process. Cullera at 40km It is the only mountain on the coast with a castle on its top; from that castle you have one of the best views over the huerta – with its vegetables’ and flowers’ fields. In the hinterland Manises at 9km Manises is a traditional ceramic industry town where you can visit ceramic factories, admire typical tiles and the old houses’ architecture. This ceramics’ centre exists since the Middle Ages and it is well-known for its characteristic motives in blue and white. Xátiva : The pontifical city, at 58km As it has been the home of two Borgia popes, Xátiva is very rich in historic monuments. The city’s symbol is the enormous castle formed by the fusion of two fortresses – one Iberian, the other Roman. Despite its origin most of its walls and towers which are still preserved are of gothic style or reveal Arabian traces. Moreover, you can find the oldest paleontologic traces of the Iberian peninsula – the caves of Cova Negra. They testify an 8000-year-old human activity. La Valldigna Monastery It is an important Cistercian monastery of the 13th century.

Food & Drink				Traditional customs
SPECIALITIES Rice-based Paella Valencia is the home of Paella, a typical Spanish rice-based dish with saffron. There are different types of Paella: meet-based, fish-based, mixed or vegetarian. Originally, it was a common dish which changed according to the available ingredients. Arrós a banda It is a dish with rice and fish, but both of them are cooked separately – a banda. Arrós negro Rice with Calamari cooked in its ink. Arrós en Bledes A mix of chard, tomatoes, garlic, potatoes and kidney beans served with rice. Fish-based All i pebre A garlic and pepper sauce which is often eaten with eel. Fideuà Sort of Paëlla where the rice is replaced by Vermicelli with fish and seafood stock. Suc de peix It is a kind of ragout based on fish with onions, garlic, parsley, a bit of allspice and tomatoes. To diversify you can add potatoes.		Sweets Because of its heritage of Arabian culture most of the sweets are based on cereals and dried fruits. Rosegons This cake is made of few ingredients – eggs, flour, sugar and almonds. Panquemado A little round brioche consumed all over the year made of flour, eggs, sugar and yeast. Mona is a variant for Easter which is decorated with coloured eggs. L´arrop i talladetes It is made of wine and fruits which can be dried figs, grapes, pumpkins. The mixture marinates for 16 hours and then cooks for 8 hours. Buñuelos Donut eaten for « Las Fallas ». DRINKS Horchata This local speciality is made of pressed chufas (spuds). Then, you add water and sugar to get this white refreshing drink. Wines There are 50.000 hectares of vineyards around Valencia and different types of wines : rosé, white, red, sparkling wine, liqueur and Muscat-based. The fermentation is mostly made in barrels for the red ones for the production of Crianza wines. The liqueurs ferment in oak barrels. Agua de Valencia Mixture of orange juice and champagne.		Languages In Valencia there are two official languages : the Valenciano – own language of the Valencian community – and the Castellano (Spanish). Ceramics The ceramic of Manises is the region’s traditional craft. There are thousands of varieties – blue tones on white ground according to the tradition or even metallic gleam. There are also the ceramics of Paterna, the so-called “ socarrats”. Fallas de San José (week before March 19th) The festival has its origin in the end of the 15th century. This day, the carpenters burned all their waste. Today, about 350 ninots – enormous sculptures out of paper-mâché – march through the city during the week and then are burned to remember this tradition. Semana Santa Marinera (Ash Wednesday – the Easter Week) It is one of the best-known celebrations of the Semana Santa. There are manifestations, messes, processions… The festivities of “El Corpus” (the corpus of the Christ) with processions of giants, dance groups and “Cirialots” (candle carriers) close the Semana Santa. Transfer of the Virgin of the Homeless People (second Sunday in May) Surrounded by the crowd and under a rain of rose petals, the Holy Virgin of the Homeless People is carried from the Basilica to the catehdral and then she is brought back to the Basilica in the afternoon. Day of the Communidad de Valencia : Senyera procession (October 9th ) This day, the Valencians commemorate the conquest of the city by Jack 1st . There are different official manifestations, but the main one is the Civic Procession starting at the Town Hall with the Valencian flag called Senyera.

Things to Do

Hotels

Restaurants

Municipal Museum
The municipal museum is located in the Town Hall and its collection is made up of objects illustrating Valencia’s history. There are also paintings from the 18th century.

IVAM – Institute of Modern Art of Valencia
Considered as one of the three best museums of modern art in Spain, its aim is to promote research and accessibility of 20th century art. Therefore, it organises temporary exhibitions, lectures, artistic workshops etc.

Museo del Colegio Arte Mayor de la Seda
The museum is housed in a building with a rococo facade of 1756 which is unique in Valencia. Inside there are Valencian silk collections of the 18th century and machines for silk production.

Fallero Museum
Since 1934 each year one of the “ninots” was spared from burning during the annual festivities of “Las Fallas”. Therefore, the museum shows one figurine of each year as well as photographs and other objects linked to the festivities.

Cathedral Diocesan Museum
The whole cathedral is a museum with the 16th century paintings of Juan de Juanes and Yáñez de la Almedina and the original sculptures of the gothic door (19th century).
The museum also has two big paintings of Francisco de Goya (1799) as well as paintings of Rodrigo de Osona, Vicente Masip, etc. (15th and 16th century).
You can also admire the biggest monstrance of the world with a height of six meters, a relic of the Holy Grail and a piece of a 19th century alabaster altar etc.

El Museo de Bellas Artes
www.cult.gva.es/mbav
The museum is housed in a baroque building and it exhibits works of Juanes, Ribera, El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo, Goya, etc but also of Valencian painters of the 19th and 20th century. Moreover, there are interesting examples of contemporary art and an archaeological collection in the sculpture section.

National Museum of Ceramics
Housed in the Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas, the museum gives a review on ceramic art by showing Spanish and international works.

Museo Taurino
It is one of the oldest and most impressing bullfighting museums in Spain. It exhibits Valencia’s bullfighting history from the 18th to the 20th century. The museum has also a library on bullfighting and a projection hall where you can watch a virtual bullfight.

SHOPPING
Plaza Redonda : A small round market taking place every Sunday morning.

Sampaka – chocolate heaven : Each item sold in that shop is made up of chocolate.

El Corte Ingles : El Corte Ingles is a chain of department stores. The department for traditional costumes in the Valencian stores is worth mentioning.

Nuevo Centro
It is the biggest shopping centre of Valencia. There are over one hundred shops.

Calle Don Juan de Austria : A pedestrian precinct in the city centre, near the Calle Colón.

Mercado Colón : A roofed market from the beginning of the 20th century with many shops and restaurants.

Mercado Central : The stands are full of fruits, vegetables and specialities of the region like salted ham or sardines.

Meliá Valencia Palace *****
Paseo Alameda, 32
Tel. : (+34) 96 3375037
Fax : (+34) 96 3370097
E-Mail melia.valencia.palace@solmelia.com
The hotel is vis-à-vis of the Palace of Music and near the Turia gardens. The hotel has a swimming-pool, a sauna, a jucuzzi.

Hotel Sidi Saler*****
Playa de el Saler
Tel. : +34 96 161 04 11
Fax : +34 96 161 08 38
www.sidi-saler.com
This hotel is lying above the dunes on the beach of El Saler, in the middle of the natural preserve near the Albufera Lake, 12km away from the city centre.

Abba Acteon ****
Vicente Beltrán Grimal, 2
Tel. : +34 96 331 07 07
Fax : +34 96 330 22 30
acteon@abbahoteles.com
www.abba-acteonhotel.com
This modern hotel near the City of Arts and Sciences is very comfortable and equipped with conference halls with the latest technology. The modern design combines wood, steal, crystal and marble.

Hotel Astoria Palace****
Plaza Rodrigo Botet 5
Tel. : +34 96 398 10 00
Fax : +34 96 398 10 10
E-mail : info@hotel-astoria-palace.com
It is the most emblematic hotel in Valencia where you have all conceivable comfort. Situated in the city centre, 100m away from the Town Hall, it is near the shops, the cultural institutions and the monuments.

Hotel Dimar Valencia****
G. Via Marques del Turia, 80
Tel. : +34 96 395 10 30
Fax : +34 96 395 19 26
This hotel of the 70s is next to the Canovas Square, near the city centre and close to the restaurants and the shops.

Hotel Cónsul del Mar****
Avda. del Puerto, 39
Tel. : +34 96 362 54 32
Fax : +34 96 362 16 25
This hotel from the beginning of the century – renovated in July 2005 – creates an atmosphere of restfulness and good taste. Located in the city centre, just 300m away from the Palau de la Música and close to the City of Arts and Sciences.

Girasol
A Moraira à 1,5km
Carretera Moraira-Calp
Tel. : +34 965 744 373
Joachim Koerper’s Mediterranean restaurant owns two Michelin stars – nice decoration of the country house.

The Oceanographic City of Sciences and Arts
Avenida Instituto Obrero de Valencia
Tel. : +34 902 10 0031
This is a restaurant for an unforgettable evening! Located in the middle of the Oceanographic’s new aquarium. During the dinner you can watch the fish swimming around.

The Marcelina
Paseo Neptuno, 8
Tel. : + 34 96 3712025
It is one of the restaurants with a terrace a stone’s throw away from the beach. The Marcelina is specialised in calamari and paëlla.

The Piula
Burriana, 45
This restaurant is a real adventure : You can taste different types of paëlla and fideuà.

Montana
José Benlliure, 69
Wine bar since 1836. Delicious tapas. Decorated with old tiles and old posters.

La Rosa
Avenida Neptuno 70
Tel. : +34 963 712 076
This typical restaurant next to the ocean serves about thirty different rice dishes and offers a wide range of fish and seafood.

La Pepica
Pza Neptuno 6, Playa de Levante
After a 30-minute-ride by bus, you will reach this traditional restaurant next to the beach. Specialised in fish and particularly in Paëlla.

El Huerto
Pedro Iii El Grande, 11
Tel. : +34 963 334 749
This charming restaurant lying outside of the city serves delicious tapas. Decorated with blue Azulejos.