SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, December 5 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The island of Tenerife has been selected by the Royal Family to host one of the ten concerts marking the tenth anniversary of King Felipe VI’s proclamation.
This event is scheduled for December 14 at the Adán Martín Auditorium in Tenerife, commencing at 7:00 p.m., and will feature the third concert of the national tour organised by the Royal Guard under the theme ‘Ten years, ten concerts’.
The performance, which is free and accessible to all, will be conducted by the Music Unit of the Royal Guard, one of Europe’s oldest and most distinguished musical ensembles.
Beginning next week, tickets will be available for free at the reception of the Tenerife Auditorium during box office hours, according to a report from the Cabildo.
The tour, which commenced in Madrid and Burgos, has arrived in Tenerife, marking the first occasion that Unidad de Música, with a history spanning over a century, has performed in the Canary Islands.
The Music Unit of the Royal Guard has delivered concerts in numerous cities across Spain and at prestigious venues throughout Europe, including England, France, Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Romania, Russia, and Switzerland.
This event was announced during a press conference held this Thursday in the Noble Hall of the Cabildo, attended by the Minister of the Presidency, José Miguel Ruano; the Minister of Culture, José Carlos Acha; the Division General, Chief of the General Staff of the Canary Islands Command of the Army, Ramón Armada Vázquez; the Colonel Chief of the Royal Guard, Pablo Mateo Álvarez de Toledo; and the director of the Music Unit of the Canary Islands Command of the Army of Land, Manuel Castrejón Navarro.
José Miguel Ruano emphasised that for Tenerife “it is a tremendous honour” that the Royal Family has chosen the island to be included in this celebratory tour, reinforcing Tenerife’s status as a cultural and musical hub and presenting an opportunity to partake in a historic event.
“Our collaboration with the Armed Forces and the Canary Islands command has been very significant, much like last year’s extensive forest fire response and Operation Prometheus, and now with an event of this cultural nature,” he remarked.
Pablo Mateo Álvarez de Toledo expressed enthusiasm, stating they are “eager to reach that paradisiacal place in Spain, the Canary Islands, to share an unforgettable day” where they will not only bring music but also heartfelt sentiments.
“We believe that this is the finest way to demonstrate that the values of service, commitment, and duty, which embody our king’s motto, motivate us to work for the Crown and for Spain,” he explained.
Ramón Armada Vázquez conveyed his satisfaction regarding the hosting of an event as significant as this concert.
“I extend my gratitude to the Royal Guard for selecting this venue to undertake one of the ten concerts commemorating the 10 years since His Majesty the King’s proclamation. Undoubtedly, this Royal Guard, established in 1874 and descendant of the 15th-century Band of the Halberdiers, boasts a substantial national and international repertoire and serves as a benchmark for the finest military and symphonic music, which will be a considerable honour for the entire city and for Tenerife,” he asserted.
A NOD TO THE ISLANDS IN THE REPERTOIRE
In his address, Manuel Castrejón Navarro revealed there will be a “nod” to the islands, as a piece from Teobaldo Power’s Cantos Canarios will be performed.
The director of the Music Unit of the Canary Islands Command of the Army further explained that, during each performance, the Music Unit of the Royal Guard presents a meticulously curated programme that features emblematic pieces such as the ‘King Felipe Overture VI’, composed by the esteemed Óscar Navarro specifically for this occasion.
Additionally, the repertoire will encompass a selection of classical, martial, and popular pieces that will showcase the interpretive excellence of this ensemble.
The Music Unit of the Royal Guard is celebrated for its ability to seamlessly blend classical music with performances of substantial cultural significance, acting as a musical ambassador for the Spanish Armed Forces, consisting of over 120 professional musicians.
These musicians are chosen from among the most exceptional non-commissioned officers of the Military Music Corps, ensuring a high standard of excellence in their performances.
The Music Unit of the Royal Guard plays an essential role during ceremonial occasions, honouring Their Majesties the King and Queen at official functions, receptions, and parades, in addition to supporting visits by foreign heads of state during formal ceremonies.
Furthermore, it participates in the solemn relief of the Royal Guard at the Royal Palace of Madrid, providing musical accompaniment that enhances this traditional event.