The Youth Orchestra of the Province of Alicante (OJPA) secured the top honor at the prestigious Summa Cum Laude festival held in Vienna, marking a significant achievement for the ensemble and its young performers. Cope reported that the orchestra received the first prize and the highest distinction awarded at the event.
Founded in 2009, the OJPA has cultivated a rigorous pedagogical program, having nurtured over 1000 young musicians who have subsequently joined ensembles like Radiotelevisión Española or pursued careers as conservatory instructors. Director Fran Maestre emphasized the orchestra’s role in providing a pathway for individuals, stating that music offers a fulfilling and transformative experience, not merely a profession or obligation.
Maestre highlighted the importance of group cohesion, noting that every member of the orchestra, from the triangle player to the director, contributes equally to the collective success. Looking ahead to 2027, the orchestra’s 18th anniversary coinciding with Beethoven’s year, the group is preparing a renewed artistic stage with upcoming performances in Valencia, Madrid, and Alicante’s Teatro Principal. The orchestra’s continued commitment to youth training represents Maestre’s life’s work, a project he has dedicated himself to wholeheartedly.
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