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Daroca Early Music Festival and Course
Published on 07 April 2021
Spain
Aragón
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About this good practice
Since 1979 during the first week of August, Daroca has become the world capital of Early music (ancient music refers to that composed before 1750)
During these days the welcome welcomes a select list of music teachers and students from all over the world to participate in a series of master classes. The atmosphere during those days is simply extraordinary. The music of classes and rehearsals can be heard in any corner of the city, in whose streets dozens of young people share a week of music and conviviality with enormous intensity. In fact, it is not uncommon to visit one of the local churches to find a rehearsal or a class that as long as they are not disturbed, the visitor can attend as a listener.
In the medieval Aragonese city a festival is held promoted by different public institutions that uses the different heritage spaces, mostly churches, to carry out a series of concerts and specialized courses.
The ten-day courses bring together more than 150 students divided into ten specialties.
An average of seven concerts freely open to general public are held in the different heritage spaces: Churches of San Juan, San Miguel and Colegiata de Santa María, inviting the most recognized professionals in the field of early music.
It is an activity that combines a highly specialized cultural use, such as Early music courses with an activity directed to more general public and allows to use heritage buildings as well as it is a key week for all the touristic structures.
During these days the welcome welcomes a select list of music teachers and students from all over the world to participate in a series of master classes. The atmosphere during those days is simply extraordinary. The music of classes and rehearsals can be heard in any corner of the city, in whose streets dozens of young people share a week of music and conviviality with enormous intensity. In fact, it is not uncommon to visit one of the local churches to find a rehearsal or a class that as long as they are not disturbed, the visitor can attend as a listener.
In the medieval Aragonese city a festival is held promoted by different public institutions that uses the different heritage spaces, mostly churches, to carry out a series of concerts and specialized courses.
The ten-day courses bring together more than 150 students divided into ten specialties.
An average of seven concerts freely open to general public are held in the different heritage spaces: Churches of San Juan, San Miguel and Colegiata de Santa María, inviting the most recognized professionals in the field of early music.
It is an activity that combines a highly specialized cultural use, such as Early music courses with an activity directed to more general public and allows to use heritage buildings as well as it is a key week for all the touristic structures.
Expert opinion
The municipality of Daroca managed to uniquely utilise its medieval character and a number of religious heritage sites, to create an internationally recognised festival of early music. Daroca has been holding its early music festival since 1979. The specialisation of the festival has earned the municipality recognition, strengthened local traditions and culture, offers a unique tourist experience and brings tourism to a much smaller and lesser-known part of the region. Thanks to the support from various partners, all parts of the festival remain affordable. Students and teachers from all over the world participate in masterclasses, while other tourists can listen to rehearsals and experience the exceptional atmosphere. Other European cities can get inspired by this good practice in finding their niche sector, which can attract tourism.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The annual budget is 58,000 euros, supported by the various partners.With this contribution, the entrance ticket for the general public is free (even free buses are enabled from the nearest city, Zaragoza) and registration for specialized courses is reduced to 15 euros per person.
Evidence of success
With 42 editions held, it is the longest running festival in Aragon with more than 280 concerts held. It is one of the most recognized events worldwide in the field of Early music. Each edition has an average of 3.000 spectators.
During its celebration all the tourist structures of the town and the surrounding towns are complete. It is also an excellent tool for promoting the town beyond the festival.
In these courses, musical groups have been created that today are a reference in the field.
During its celebration all the tourist structures of the town and the surrounding towns are complete. It is also an excellent tool for promoting the town beyond the festival.
In these courses, musical groups have been created that today are a reference in the field.
Potential for learning or transfer
One of the main keys to this festival is its specialization in Early music, which is a differentiating fact from other cultural uses of heritage as it is a highly specific cultural area. Focusing on old music is a differentiating fact with respect to other cultural uses of the heritage of a more general nature and allows positioning the village in the international arena as a benchmark in the sector.
On the other hand, the combination of the courses with the concerts allows to broaden the audience spectrum, opening the possibility for non-specialized public to travel to the town of Daroca to enjoy the concerts.
The use of the three churches as a concert area through non-invasive and removable structures ensures their maintenance and cleaning without causing damage.
This kind of festival and course promotes not only the use of heritage spaces but also allows all the touristic structures to have a great income.
On the other hand, the combination of the courses with the concerts allows to broaden the audience spectrum, opening the possibility for non-specialized public to travel to the town of Daroca to enjoy the concerts.
The use of the three churches as a concert area through non-invasive and removable structures ensures their maintenance and cleaning without causing damage.
This kind of festival and course promotes not only the use of heritage spaces but also allows all the touristic structures to have a great income.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
DPZ Provincial Government of Zaragoza
Spain
Aragón
Contact
External Scientific Advisor