The Town’s Musical Band
In 1895, Alboraya saw the birth of a recreational-musical society known as Casino de la Plaza. It was within this cultural hub that a Banda de Música (musical band) was formed, driven by the passion and musical interests of its members. The band’s first director was Miguel Grau.
The Society
Due to space constraints, the original society was divided into two entities: the Sociedad Agrícola Industrial- Industrial Agricultural Society- (now Ateneo Alborayense) and the Sociedad Musical de Alboraya- Musical Society of Alboraya-, which was officially established on February 28, 1906, with Alfredo Clavel as its first director.
In 1907, land was acquired for the construction of the Social Headquarters, which was inaugurated on November 21, 1909. This event was a major milestone in the social and cultural life of Alboraya.
Throughout the 20th century, the band was led by renowned directors such as Eduardo Panach, Vicente Ballester, Manuel Galduf, Francisco Hernández Guirado, and Francisco Ramos Rioja.
In 1980, with the support of the first democratic town councils, the Society entered a new era of growth. This period saw renovation work, expansion of the social headquarters, and the acquisition of new instruments. That same year, the Orquesta de Pulso y Púa was created.
Over the following years, additional musical groups were formed: the Coro Polifónico (Polyphonic Choir, 1986), the Orquesta de Cuerda (String Orchestra, 1993), the Grupo de Danzas (Dance Group, 1994) and the Colla de Tabal i Dolçaina (Traditional Percussion and Flute Ensemble, 1996).
In the mid-1980s, significant efforts were made to enhance the Music School, hiring specialized instructors for musical theory and various instruments.
The Musical Society Today
In 2006, the Sociedad Musical de Alboraya (Musical Society of Alboraya) celebrated its centenary with numerous events.
Currently, its music school has over 500 students specializing in a wide range of instruments. These students form the next generation of musicians who join the Society’s various ensembles each year. In addition to the instruments used in the main ensembles, the school offers training in singing, harp, recorder, guitar, electric bass, and other disciplines.
The Society’s extensive musical and social activities are further enriched by other groups, including: the Grupo de Artes Escénicas (Performing Arts Group), the Big Band Blue, and the Aula de Jazz (Jazz Workshop)
For more information about the Sociedad Musical de Alboraya and its activities, visit: www.smalboraya.es.
