The Sauces de Cartagena Musical Group won first prize last Saturday, February 17th, at the 7th Cieza Regional Band Festival. The bands of the Alcantarilla Friends of Music Association, the Totana Musical Group, and the Cieza Municipal Band also participated in the competition.
The participating bands performed a non-scoring pasodoble presentation, a freely chosen piece, and the compulsory entry, "The Ghost Ship," by Cartagena-born José Alberto Pina. The musician, who participated in the competition, commented that he was very pleased with the success his latest work was enjoying worldwide and the boost it is giving to bands in the region for their growth.
The panel, composed of professor José Miguel Rodilla, Juan José Navarro, and Pascual Marín González, awarded 2,000 euros to the winner, 1,500 euros to the runner-up, and 1,000 euros to the third-place finisher, in addition to 500 euros in assistance to each of the bands.
José Alberto Pina himself described the Cartagena band's performance as "sublime." Furthermore, David Martínez, Councilor for Culture of the Cartagena City Council, offered his congratulations to the band and stated that he felt "very proud" of the award and of Cartagena's regional representation. The councilor also announced that he hopes this event will be held in Cartagena next year.
Source: Cartagena City Council.
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