TORREVIEJA’S NEW CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC RECEIVES ITS FINISHING TOUCHES

For almost four years, Torrevieja Residents and visitors have watched two buildings slowing take shape beside the N332 in the North of the City. One is a traditional looking rectangular building, while the other, concentric circles and mixed colours with a huge glass windows fronting one wall.

Finally, the new Conservatory of Music and Conference and Performance facilities are just weeks away from opening, with the date expected to be May, 2011.

The ‘Auditorio-Conservatorio Internacional de Música' is located in close proximity to St. Jamie Hospital, and is divided into three distinct areas, all interconnected, teaching music, theory, teaching, design, dance, dramatic art plus the conservation and restoration of works of art. It also features a full recording studio along with the Auditorium that has two performance areas under the one roof, one with space for 1,460 spectators and the other around 360.

Architect José María Tomás designed the project that has been hailed as one of the finest in Europe. The conservatory covers an area of 3,721 square meters and is considered as one of the most superior facilities of its kind; not just within the Valencian region or Spain, but throughout Europe!

The entire University Campus covers over 91,000 square metres and features the conservatory, landscaped gardens, halls of Residence, classrooms and theatres with room for a minimum of 240 students. It has 44 sound-proofed classrooms, containing state-of-the-art equipment plus libraries, archives and computer suites where both music and video can be mixed and edited.

The International Music Conservatory of Torrevieja is one of the few conservatories in Europe to offer placement to those with disabilities and when classes commence this September, it shall be one of the best in terms of disabled access for both students and spectators alike.

Over the last four years, the project had provided employment for over 1,200 workers and has been built for an investment of €40-million, funded by Sociedad Proyectos Temáticos de la Generalita Valencia.

Torrevieja's Mayor Pedro Hernandez Mateo said “the idea, concept and the first steps to carry out this real dream began 10 years ago. Now it is hoped that lessons can begin in the next academic year with the aim to serve local musicians and those who want to receive musical and artistic training without having to go to Alicante or Murcia.”

In addition, there will be room for rehearsals of choirs, bands and soloists plus the recording studio. There are hopes that the facility will attract the attention of musicians, producers, artists, students and teachers, both in Spain and beyond, providing the city with a global appeal of the highest order.