The city of Jaén is already breathing that special atmosphere that precedes its major cultural events. The official kickoff for what will be the [event name missing] has taken place at the Grupo Millán facilities. thirteenth edition of the Sabina por Aquí ConferenceThis event has transcended borders and established itself as a must-see for lovers of music with a message and literature. From August 29th to September 12th, the streets and squares of Úbeda will be filled with music and poetry in a program that seeks, above all, to keep the flame of singer-songwriter music alive.
The presentation was attended by those who make this organizational miracle possible, from the local council to the Peor para el Sol collective. What lies ahead is no small feat, as this year's program takes a qualitative leap by integrating new spaces for artistic creation which promise to be very important in the future. The idea is that culture should not be something static, but rather an engine that continues to drive society and strengthen bonds, something that is more appreciated than ever in these times.
A top-tier musical lineup in unique venues
What truly sets these events apart is the caliber of the artists who come to the hill overlooking Úbeda. For this edition, the following artists have been confirmed: Quique González with Toni BrunetThey will perform a concert on September 4th in the iconic Church of San Lorenzo. What's unique about this event is that it departs from the usual commercial circuits, seeking a much more intimate and secluded atmosphere, designed exclusively for the setting of this temple, which has been restored for cultural use.
But the offer doesn't stop there, not by a long shot. On September 11th it will be the turn of Christina Rosenvinge in trio formatThis is a golden opportunity to enjoy one of the most distinctive voices in Spanish pop-rock. She will be joined by the talent of Luis Pastor, who will mentor emerging artists in the final of the singer-songwriter competition, and Alis, an artist from Baeza. It's a stellar lineup that demonstrates the region has become a true benchmark for musicians who carefully craft every word of their lyrics.
Sabina's figure in a new symphonic light
As expected, the shadow of the city's favorite son is long, but this year it's cast in a very different way. One of the highlights will be the premiere of "And yet, symphonic"A project of the University of Jaén Orchestra. We will see how the songs we have all hummed in some bar will be dressed up in their finest on September 5th at the Auditorium of the Hospital de Santiago, demonstrating that Joaquín's work has a compositional solidity capable of supporting the weight of an entire orchestra.
In addition to the traditional benefit concert by the Ubetense Musical Association, the conference opens a new avenue of analysis with the section entitled "Sabina's Library." Here, Professor Javier Soto Zaragoza will present a study on Women and love in the songbook of the artist. It's about scratching a little deeper than the surface and understanding the purely literary dimension of lyrics that are already part of the sentimental heritage of several generations in Spain, as well as in the rest of Europe and America.
Poetry, photography and the promotion of new talent
The international singer-songwriter competition, now in its twelfth edition, remains the heart and soul of this event. With the Registration period open until August 4thThe organizers hope to repeat last year's success, which saw a record number of international participants. The prizes offer more than just financial rewards; they provide access to the music industry, including recordings in professional studios and opportunities to perform at other prestigious festivals.
In the realm of literature and image, the "Verses to See Yourself" series will pay tribute this year to the memory of Javier García Rodríguez, featuring the participation of poets of the stature of Juan Bonilla and Fernando Beltrán, in a spirit similar to how Bilbao Poetry turns the city into the capital of verseAs if that weren't enough, the Church of San Lorenzo will host a exhibition by photojournalist Santi DonaireThe FotoEspaña award will bring that social and documentary perspective that has always been linked to the spirit of the event. This year's poster, by the way, is by local illustrator Miguel Ángel Camprubí, thus completing a circle of collaboration between local talent and renowned international names.
The birth of the Joaquín Sabina Creative Space
One of the most celebrated pieces of news is that the event will serve as a setting for the premiere of the new cultural facility promoted by the city councilThis Joaquín Sabina Creative Space is not intended to be a static museum, but rather a place where things happen, where creativity is fostered, and where the artist's legacy is preserved in a dynamic way. The official presentation on August 28th will inaugurate these facilities, which are designed to be the heart of Úbeda's cultural activity throughout the year.
The deployment of resources and the collaboration of the private sector, such as the Millán Group, ensure that these two weeks of activity will be a resounding success. Work has also been done on improve capacity and comfort In venues like San Lorenzo, the aim is to make the audience's experience as enjoyable as possible. Ultimately, it's a clear commitment to quality culture that not only attracts visitors from all over, but also reinforces the pride of a city that knows how to cherish its heritage.
Úbeda is thus consolidating its position as the capital of sung poetry, offering a haven for traditional poetry and music in an enviable heritage setting. With the premiere of a symphonic version of Sabina's songs, its unwavering support for emerging artists through its international competition, and the inauguration of a permanent creative space, the city faces September with the confidence of a city that knows it has a place in the music scene. an undisputed icon of auteur culture at European level.