Many major cities around the world are known for cultural or artistic events that are inextricably linked to their identity. In this tradition, one of which is Torrevieja, which proudly presents the 30th edition of the International Youth Habaneras Competition, an event that started in 1995 as a complement to the main International Competition.
Over the years, it has grown into a prestigious international reference for youth and children’s choirs, both nationally and abroad.
The Youth Habaneras Competition remains a thriving choral showcase, offering young ensembles a platform to present their talent. Unlike non-competitive concerts, this event demands high artistic standards from its participants, who view it as a defining challenge in their choral careers. The Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja serves as the perfect stage for these aspiring artists to prove their place in the world of choral music.
PARTICIPATION:
For the 2025 edition, the Technical Committee of the Municipal Habaneras Board has selected three national choral groups:
Youth Choir of the “Hermanos Berzosa” Official Conservatory of Music (Cáceres, Extremadura)
“Arsis” Choir from Divertimento Music School (Oviedo, Asturias)
“La Voz de las Emociones” Choir from IES Isabel la Católica (Ávila, Castilla y León)
On March 8, approximately 200 singers will gather in Torrevieja, alongside the Symphony Choir of the Municipal Choral School, directed by Selena Cancino Escobar.
CONCERT PROGRAM:
March 7 at 7:00 PM: The performance “A Story Called Habanera…” by the Choir of La Purísima Carmelitas School (Torrevieja), with original text by Amparo Cos and musical direction by Aurelio Martínez López. This project integrates the most beloved Habaneras into a pedagogical initiative that educates students about the cultural and historical significance of this genre.
March 8 at 6:00 PM: The competition phase at the Municipal Theatre, featuring performances by the three selected choirs. After the competition, while the jury deliberates, the Symphony Choir of the Municipal Choral School will perform a repertoire predominantly consisting of Habaneras. The event will conclude with the awards ceremony.
JURY:
The Municipal Habaneras Board has appointed three esteemed professionals as jury members for this prestigious competition:
Iñaki Lecumberri – Choral Professor at the Castellón Conservatory of Music
José Vicente Campello Fernández – Choral Professor at the Utiel Conservatory
Rosario Torres Salinas – Oboist, Composer, and Choral Director
MANDATORY PERFORMANCE PIECE:
For this 30th edition, all participating choirs must perform “Con Sabor a Sal,” with lyrics by María Teresa Pertusa and music by Maestro Ricardo Lafuente Aguado.
AWARDS:
First Prize: €3,000 and trophy
Second Prize: €2,000 and trophy
Third Prize: €1,000 and trophy
TICKET SALES:
Tickets for the concerts on March 7 and 8 are available for 5 euros per session. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Municipal Theater box office (Plaza Miguel Hernández), open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
On the event day, ticket sales will be from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM (card payment preferred). Online purchases can be made via the Municipal Habaneras Board website (www.habaneras.org) or by emailing hola@culturatorrevieja.com. Reservations can also be made by calling 673931618 during box office hours.
For further information, visit the Municipal Habaneras Board offices at C/ Patricio Pérez 1, 1º C, or contact them at 96 571 55 79 – 96 670 77 15, or via email at francisco@habaneras.org.
BUDGET:
The estimated budget for the 30th International Youth Habaneras Competition is approximately €26,000, covering infrastructure (lighting, sound, acoustic shell), accommodation and travel expenses for participating choirs, jury costs, staff, and prizes.
