The grand opening of the 29th edition of WOMEX yesterday evening at Palacio de la Ópera in A Coruña, Galicia, reaffirmed Spain's standing as a vibrant hub for music and culture, shining as an example of cultural interaction. With more than 1000 diverse and enthusiastic international audience members gathered to celebrate the union of cultures through music, Palacio de la Ópera reverberated with sounds of Spanish music from all corners of the country. The opening night left an impressive mark with four performances by a varied range of Spanish artists that presented the fusion of tradition and innovation: Niño Josele, Tarta Relena, Caamaño & Ameixeiras, and Karmento. All in all an exciting and uplifting programme.
The Opening: Resounding Picasso was curated by Marc Lloret (MMVV) and supported by A Coruña City, Xunta de Galicia, INAEM, ICEX-Sounds from Spain and ICEC-Catalan Arts.
WOMEX is not only a celebration of music from around the world but a testament to the ability of music to unite, inspire, and enrich the global community. The event is a platform that brings together musicians, industry representatives, and music enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the sounds from different communities. The following days will assure artistic discoveries, networking and connections, where delegates will explore the cultural exchange through music. This endeavour becomes even more essential in a world witnessing an alarming increase in nationalism, racism, and intolerance.
Alexander Walter, WOMEX director, opened the speeches and introduced Jacobo Sutil, director of the Galician Cultural Industries Agency who thanked and acknowledged everyone involved in bringing WOMEX to A Coruña for the first time, followed by the Mayoress of A Coruña, Inés Rey García, who shared:
"Today, for the first time, two vectors with much in common join forces. A Coruña and WOMEX, both share a broad cultural vision, which honours tradition but always seeks to go one step further. Our meeting took a while, but since this day our ways have now connected forever."
WOMEX 23 A Coruña: What's Coming Ahead...
WOMEX is the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts.
The 29th edition of WOMEX in A Coruña features more than 61 artists representing 47 countries spread over 7 stages, including Club Summit showcases. The Conference Programme features more than 35 sessions, including Networking and Mentoring Sessions and Associated Presentations. The Film Programme features a selection of 18 music documentaries featuring new releases, features, and shorts. Piranha Arts Consultancy has also grown the WOMEX Academy, which has facilitated the training and participation of young music professionals in global music markets. WOMEX Academy is a partner of two exciting new European projects SEWEM - Sino European Women Entrepreneurs in Music, and Upbeat, the European showcase platform for World Music. The WOMEX Radio Studio is organised by EBU (European Broadcasting Union) and this year's local partner RTVE – Corporación de Radio y Televisión Española.
The WOMEX 23 Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, 29 October. This year, the WOMEX Professional Excellence Award recipient is On the Move, and Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC) is the WOMEX Artist Award recipient.
article posted by:Gideon Elfgen, Piranha Arts