The 37th edition of the Coral Meeting 'Ciudad de Manzanares' celebrated the unique polyphony of Cádiz's carnival, highlighted by a performance from the renowned Coro de los Estudiantes. The event, held at the Gran Teatro de Manzanares, attracted a large audience eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cádiz's carnival in the autumn.
On 26 October 2026, the Coro de los Estudiantes concluded their performance of 'Mil Maravillas', having previously triumphed in the 2025 Official Carnival Group Competition in Cádiz (COAC). This year, they were finalists once again in the prestigious contest held at the Gran Teatro Falla. The performance transported attendees to the coastal city of Cádiz, known as 'la tacita de plata' (the little silver cup), through its unique musical style and heartfelt lyrics.
Pilar Tejada, the choir's director, expressed that the performance was a reminder of the beauty of Cádiz and its people. “It’s about reminding the people of Cádiz that there’s nothing more beautiful than being from Cádiz,” she stated. The choir's repertoire included traditional tangos and cuplés that encapsulate the essence of the city.
The event marked a historic moment, as it was the first time a choir representing Cádiz's carnival performed at the Manzanares meeting, which has been running for 37 years. The Coral 'Maestro Ibáñez' from Valdepeñas also made its debut at the event, performing a selection of well-known film songs, including 'Gabriel’s Oboe' from 'The Mission' and 'The Circle of Life' from 'The Lion King'.
The closing concert featured the local choir 'Mater Assumpta', which presented a diverse programme under the direction of Rocío Navas. The choir performed songs in multiple languages, including a new version of 'La saeta' by Serrat, accompanied by percussionist Alejandro Martín Morales.
At the conclusion of the event, trophies were awarded to the participating choirs and individuals, including the director of the Valdepeñas choir and the event's presenter. Paqui de la Cruz, the Councillor for Education, and Jesús Romero, the Councillor for Culture, highlighted the importance of the event in fostering cultural connections between cities. Romero noted that the Coral Meeting has become an integral part of Manzanares's cultural history, serving as a celebration of music and community.
“It’s the magic of choral singing that fills our hearts,” remarked the president of 'Mater Assumpta', emphasising the role of music in bringing people together.
