Ontinyent is set to host the XXIV edition of the Festival de Guitarra Luys Milán, a well-established event in the city's cultural calendar, offering two distinct musical performances. Organised by the Ad Libitum music academy in collaboration with the Ontinyent City Council and Caixa Ontinyent, and sponsored by Seguros Francés, the festival will take place on 20 November and 18 December at the Caixa Ontinyent Cultural Centre, with free entry.
Àlex Borrell, the city’s Cultural Councillor, expressed the government's satisfaction in presenting another edition of this festival, which has been running for 24 years. He particularly thanked the Ad Libitum academy for its commitment to preserving the beloved instrument of the guitar, as well as the efforts of artistic director Rubén Parejo and Caixa Ontinyent for providing the venue for the concerts. Borrell encouraged the public to attend both performances.
The first concert on 20 November will feature young guitarist Ausiàs Parejo, hailing from Castelló de Rugat and recognised as one of the most promising talents in contemporary guitar. He will present a programme dedicated to the works of Manuel de Falla, based on his recent album about the composer. Parejo highlighted Ausiàs's impressive career, which includes numerous international accolades and a nomination for a Latin Grammy in the classical music category last year.
The second performance, scheduled for 18 December, will shift gears with a show dedicated to boleros and copla. This concert will feature singer Bárbara Breva, trained in modern music, alongside guitarist Fabián Barraza, who was part of the renowned group Mocedades for a decade. The evening will blend boleros, copla, and jazz standards, promising a varied and entertaining repertoire.
Lluís Muñoz, director of Ad Libitum, expressed gratitude for the festival's continuity over its 24 editions and particularly praised Rubén Parejo for bringing international talent to Ontinyent and the surrounding region throughout the years. Muñoz also acknowledged the support of the Ontinyent City Council and Seguros Francés, emphasising the efforts that have kept this festival alive for more than two decades.
