The International Symphonic Band Composition Contest “Ciudad de Murcia” has recognized, in this edition, a work that stands out for its artistic quality and deep connection to the historical identity of the city. The winning piece, Mursiyah: A Symphonic Journey Through the History of Murcia, is a symphonic poem composed by Javier Pérez Garrido — a sonic tribute to the most significant milestones in Murcia’s rich past.
The work, which takes listeners on a musical journey through some of the most emblematic moments in the city’s history, was selected as the winning composition from among a group of scores that demonstrated exceptional technical and creative quality. The jury — composed of prominent figures in the field of composition including Francisco Javier Pérez Albaladejo, Javier Miguel Artaza Fano, and Sixto Herrero Rodes — highlighted the piece’s technical strength, contemporary language, and its powerful ability to evoke Murcia’s historical essence.
A Competition that Champions Contemporary Musical Creation
Organized by the Department of Culture and Identity of the Murcia City Council, in collaboration with institutions such as Fundación Cajamurcia, CaixaBank, and the Federation of Music Bands of the Region of Murcia, the contest aims to promote contemporary creation for symphonic band and to enrich the city’s musical repertoire. Year after year, the competition becomes a vital platform for discovering new talents and reinforcing the cultural bond between Murcia and its musical heritage.
Murcia’s Musical History Through Mursiyah
Mursiyah is far more than a composition — it is a tribute to the 1200th anniversary of the founding of the city of Murcia. Structured as a symphonic poem, it invites audiences to dive into the city's past through thirteen musical scenes spanning more than a thousand years of key events. From the city's founding by Abd al-Rahman II in 825 to the completion of the Cathedral bell tower in 1794, each measure of the piece is infused with the essence of the moments that shaped Murcia’s destiny.
Lasting approximately 15 minutes, Mursiyah is a unique journey that merges tradition with innovation, capturing the collective memory of the city through a fresh, modern musical language. Through this work, Murcia’s historical heritage becomes a deeply immersive, sensory experience accessible to all audiences.
A Tribute to the City and Its People
Beyond being a sound journey, Mursiyah is also a heartfelt tribute to the tireless work of Murcia’s musical community — especially the institutions that keep the symphonic music tradition alive in the region. The piece pays homage to the city of Murcia, its heritage, its identity, and its people.
Music lives in Murcia!
The official award ceremony took place in the emblematic Salón Noble of the Edificio Moneo — a setting that, like the work of Javier Pérez Garrido, lies at the very heart of the city. With the addition of Mursiyah to the symphonic band repertoire, Murcia continues to prove that contemporary music and historical memory can walk hand in hand, offering future generations a unique vision of their culture.
Don't miss this immersive musical experience!
Discover more about Mursiyah on Javier’s website and social media, and immerse yourself in a musical journey through the key moments that have shaped Murcia’s history. As the winning work of the 2nd International Symphonic Band Composition Contest “Ciudad de Murcia,” Mursiyah is destined to become a landmark piece in the symphonic band repertoire — a powerful homage to the city that will remain etched in its collective memory.
