Valencia International Wind Festival – Spain 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Launched in 2018 as the Valencia International Music Festival (FIM Valencia), it was conceived by a coalition of local musicians, educators, and cultural leaders to spotlight wind instruments, beginning with intimate chamber recitals at the Joaquín Rodrigo Conservatory and quickly establishing itself as a niche hub for brass and woodwind excellence.
• Cultural Significance: Dedicated to the artistry of wind music, it celebrates the technical and expressive range of brass, woodwinds, and percussion, blending classical masterpieces with contemporary innovations, while honoring Valencia’s musical legacy as a Mediterranean crossroads of European and Latin American influences.
• Evolution: From its inaugural 2018 edition featuring 10 ensembles and 200 attendees, it grew to include international competitions by 2020, with the 2024 edition hosting the III Ciutat de Manises Chamber Music Contests; the 2026 9th edition expands to 12 events, incorporating digital live-streaming and eco-friendly instrument showcases.
• Global Impact: Draws 500–700 participants and 2,000+ spectators from 25+ countries annually, with ensembles like Arte Brass Quintet and Terreta Sax gaining international tours; it has facilitated 50+ collaborations and recordings, contributing €250,000+ to Valencia’s cultural economy.
• Milestones: 2020 virtual pivot during COVID with online masterclasses reaching 1,000 viewers; 2022 introduction of FIMJunior for youth; 2024’s contests awarded scholarships to 5 ensembles; 2026 celebrates 8 years with a special “Winds of Valencia” theme, featuring Rodrigo-inspired works.
• Institutional Role: Partnered with the Joaquín Rodrigo Conservatory, Diputación de Valencia, and sponsors like Stomvi and Yamaha, it offers scholarships and residencies; 2026 includes a new sustainability award for recycled-instrument ensembles.
• Community Engagement: Involves 300+ local students in recitals and workshops; free public lectures at Manises Town Hall; 2026 partners with Valencia’s UNESCO Music City initiative for broader outreach.
• Recent Developments: 2024 drew 400 attendees; 2026 adds VR wind instrument demos and a focus on Latin American brass traditions, aligning with Valencia’s growing role in global music education.

Event Highlights

• Opening Concert: Arte Brass Quintet from Venezuela delivers a dynamic program of Latin brass classics and original fusions on July 15, 2026, at 19:00 in Vicent Ros Room, Manises, captivating 200+ with rhythmic vitality and technical prowess.
• III Ciutat de Manises Chamber Music Contests Opening: Terreta Sax, 2024 winners, performs on July 16 at 20:00 in Vicent Ros Room, showcasing sax quartet repertoire from Bach to contemporary Spanish composers, setting the tone for the competition.
• Final Phase of Contests: July 17 at 18:00 in Vicent Ros Room, featuring top 8 ensembles in brass, woodwind, and mixed categories, judged by experts like Jose Antonio Soria Navalon, with live audience voting.
• Student Recitals: FIMValencia participants present 15+ original pieces on July 19 at 11:00 and July 20 at 10:30 at Joaquín Rodrigo Conservatory, highlighting young talents from Europe, Latin America, and Asia in solo and ensemble formats.
• Closing Concerts: July 20 at 13:30 (FIMJunior youth showcase) and 17:30 (FIMValencia main event) at the Conservatory, featuring award-winners and guest soloists in a celebratory program of wind symphonies and encores.
• Masterclasses and Workshops: Daily sessions (July 15–20, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM) led by faculty including Jose Luis Cortell Año on brass techniques, Jose Miguel Rodrigo Dorce on woodwind ensembles, and international guests on fusion styles.
• Special Traditions: Annual “Terreta Sax” tribute concert; free public Q&A with jurors post-contests; eco-instrument demo with recycled brass prototypes from Stomvi.
• Unique Attractions: FIMJunior orchestra debut with 50 young musicians; wind instrument exhibition in Conservatory lobby, featuring historical Rodrigo pieces and modern Yamaha innovations.
• Exhibitions and Side Events: “Winds Through Time” display of 20th-century wind artifacts; guided tours of Manises ceramic district tied to instrument craftsmanship; networking reception at Diputación de Valencia.
• Awards Ceremony: July 20 evening gala with prizes for Best Ensemble, Most Innovative Composition, and Sustainability Award, including €1,000 scholarships.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 15 – July 20, 2026 (9th edition, projected from 2024’s July 15–20, mid-July to coincide with summer conservatory calendars).
• Duration: 6 days, with daily masterclasses (9:00 AM–12:00 PM), contests/recitals (afternoons/evenings), and receptions (post-6:00 PM).
• Key Schedule: Opening concert July 15; contests July 16–17; student recitals July 19; closing and awards July 20.

Venue / Location

• City: Valencia, Spain, a UNESCO Creative City of Music with a thriving classical scene, home to the Joaquín Rodrigo Conservatory and vibrant wind music traditions influenced by Spanish flamenco and Latin rhythms.
• Main Venue: Conservatorio Superior de Música “Joaquín Rodrigo” (C/ de Ricardo Muñoz Suay, s/n, 46013 Valencia), a modern facility with halls like Aula Magna (500 seats) for recitals and contests.
• Secondary Venues: Vicent Ros Room, Manises (historic 300-seat hall for opening and finals); Manises Town Hall for lectures; mailing address C/ Del Puig 21, Manises, for administrative events.
• Notable Areas: Manises ceramic district for cultural walks; Turia Gardens for post-event picnics; Blasco Ibáñez University campus for youth collaborations; nearby Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències for optional tie-ins.
• Google Maps Address: Conservatorio Superior de Música “Joaquín Rodrigo”, C/ de Ricardo Muñoz Suay, s/n, 46013 Valencia, Spain (39.4769° N, 0.3934° W) – primary venue for most events.

Ticket Information

• Ticket Sales: Online at fimvalencia.com (registrations from May 1, 2026); phone +34 611 60 36 97 (WhatsApp/Telegram); on-site at Conservatory box office (July 15–20, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM); Manises Tourist Office for contest tickets.
• Admission: Single concert $11–$22 USD (€10–€20); contest finals $16 USD (€15); student recitals free; masterclasses $5.50–$11 USD (€5–€10).
• Pricing: Minimum $0 (free recitals); maximum $44 USD (€40, full 5-event pass); average single event $16 USD (€15).
• Packages: 3-day contest pass $27 USD (€25); family bundle $33 USD (€30) for 4 (2 adults + 2 kids); student discounts 50% with Conservatory ID; early bird until June 30, 2026 ($10% off).
• VIP Options: Premium pass $55 USD (€50) includes front-row seating, exclusive receptions, and priority masterclass access; limited to 50 passes.
• Submission Fees: Ensemble entries $11–$33 USD (€10–€30) via info@fimvalencia.com (deadline May 31, 2026); scholarships for low-income participants.
• Note: WhatsApp bookings via +34 611 60 36 97; non-refundable post-May 1; group rates for 10+ schools; digital tickets via app.

Contact Information

• Email: info@fimvalencia.com (general inquiries, submissions); jose.luis.cortell@fimvalencia.com (director); jose.miguel.rodrigo@fimvalencia.com (manager); jose.antonio.soria@fimvalencia.com (art director).
• Phone: +34 611 60 36 97 (Spanish, English, Catalan; 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; WhatsApp/Telegram for instant queries).
• Website: https://fimvalencia.com (programme, registrations, F.A.Q., newsletter signup, virtual tours).
• Social Media: @fimvalencia (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) for recital clips, contest highlights, and live streams; 2024 reached 5,000+ followers.
• Key Staff: Jose Luis Cortell Año (Managing Director); Jose Miguel Rodrigo Dorce (Manager); Jose Antonio Soria Navalon (Art Director); full team via info@fimvalencia.com.
• Press/Volunteers: Press accreditation via info@fimvalencia.com (deadline June 2026); 50+ volunteer roles (ushers, tech, hospitality) open April 2026 via website form.
• Response Time: 24–48 hours for email; instant via WhatsApp/Telegram; social media within 12 hours.
• Language Support: Spanish, English, Catalan; French/Italian for international guests; on-site interpreters for contests.

Cultural Experience

• Wind Music Mastery: Emphasizes brass and woodwind artistry, from Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez to Latin fusions, celebrating Valencia’s flamenco-jazz heritage with ensembles like Arte Brass.
• International Collaboration: Venezuelan and Spanish acts like Terreta Sax foster global exchanges, with Q&As and receptions promoting cross-cultural inspiration.
• Youth Empowerment: FIMJunior recitals involve 200+ students, with mentorship from faculty, nurturing Valencia’s next generation of wind virtuosos.
• Local Craft Ties: Manises ceramic district inspires instrument designs; workshops on wind craftsmanship link music to Valencia’s artisanal traditions.
• Educational Depth: Masterclasses cover techniques like circular breathing and ensemble intonation, open to public for $5 USD, with 100+ attendees per session.
• Atmospheric Immersion: Conservatory halls resonate with wind harmonies, evoking Valencia’s Mediterranean breezes; post-concert walks in Turia Gardens enhance the cultural flow.
• Sustainability Focus: 2026 features eco-instruments from recycled materials, aligning with Valencia’s green initiatives, with panels on sustainable music production.

Food & Drinks

• Paella Valenciana: Saffron rice with rabbit, chicken, and green beans at Conservatory café ($12–$18 USD).
• Horchata de Chufa: Creamy tiger nut milk, Valencia’s signature refreshment ($3–$5 USD).
• Fideuà de Marisco: Seafood noodle paella, quick concert bite ($8–$12 USD).
• Vino de Valencia: Local Bobal red or Verdil white, paired with recitals ($4–$7 USD/glass).
• Bunyols de Cabassa: Pumpkin fritters, sweet treat at student events ($2–$4 USD).
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Fresh orange granita and herbal infusions ($2–$3 USD).
• Eco Features: 100% local sourcing; biodegradable packaging; water stations free.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Valencia Airport (VLC, 10 km), with metro Line 3 to Palau de la Música station ($2 USD, 20 minutes), then 10-minute walk to Conservatory.
• Public Transport: Metro Lines 3/5 to Palau de la Música ($1.50 USD, 15 minutes from city center); EMTASA buses 12/19 to Ricardo Muñoz Suay stop ($1.50 USD, 5 minutes).
• Trains: AVE high-speed from Madrid to Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla ($30–$60 USD, 1.5 hours), then metro Line 3 ($1.50 USD, 10 minutes).
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis from VLC ($20–$30 USD); Uber/Bolt from station ($5–$10 USD); accessible taxis available.
• Parking: Conservatory lots ($10 USD/day, 100 spaces); Valenbisi bike shares ($2 USD/day) at nearby stations; carpooling via festival app.
• Walking/Biking: 15-minute walk from Joaquín Sorolla station; dedicated bike paths along Turia riverbed to venue.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps at all entrances; free metro for disabled with card; adapted parking; contact info@fimvalencia.com for shuttles.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Westin Valencia (Turía Gardens, spa, $200–$350 USD/night); SH Valencia Palace (city center, $180–$300 USD/night).
• Mid-Range: NH Collection Colón Valencia ($100–$160 USD/night); Hotel Acta del Carmen ($90–$140 USD/night).
• Budget: Ibis Budget Valencia Aeropuerto ($50–$80 USD/night); Hostal Valencia ($40–$70 USD/night); Airbnb near Conservatory ($45–$75 USD/night).
• Boutique: Caro Hotel (historic convent, rooftop, $140–$220 USD/night); Hotel Melia Plaza ($120–$180 USD/night).
• Hostels: Red Nest Hostel Valencia (central, $25–$45 USD/night); FYH Hoteles Valencia ($30–$50 USD/night).
• Rural Stays: Masía El Poblet (Manises, 10 km, $60–$100 USD/night); Camping Helios Valencia ($20–$40 USD/night).
• Group Options: Conservatory dorms for students ($30–$50 USD/night); Manises guesthouses for ensembles ($50–$80 USD/person).