February 22 Harp masterclass and recital in Yecla
Martha Liliana Bonilla visits the official music school of Yecla
The harp is one of the largest musical instruments but also one of the most mesmerising, and a special event being held in Yecla in the north of the Region of Murcia on Thursday February 22 showcases its delights.
Taking centre stage for the afternoon and evening is Martha Liliana Bonilla, the harp soloist of the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra in Colombia, who will be holding a masterclass between 16.00 and 19.00 at the Escuela de Música as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Asociación de Amigos de la Música de Yecla. Those attending include budding musicians from all over south-eastern Spain, and others are welcome to register for 25 euros.
This is followed by a recital or concert at 22.00 at the same venue, with admission priced at just 3 euros (to raise funds for the Asociación de Amigos de la Música).
Bookings and registrations can be made in person at the music school on weekdays between 16.30 and 20.30, by telephone on 968 75248 or by e mail at administracion@amigosmusica.com.
If visiting Yecla don’t forget to make sure one of your first ports of call is the tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 1, telephone 968 754104, email turismo@yecla.es).
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office