Santa Cecilia Philharmonic Society

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Memory · Subcategory: Sites of memory · Year: 1879

Music is one of the cultural expressions that has had the deepest roots in Santa Cruz throughout its history. Initially, and until the late 18th century, the best organisation from a musical point of view was developed by the military, as the detachment formed its own bands for the troops.

In 1827, the first civil philharmonic society was founded under the direction of Carlos Guigou, with the collaboration of Virgilio Ghiralda, Cirilo Truilhé, Nicolás Alfaro, José Felipe Ravina, and Nicolás Power. This group dedicated itself to performing concerts in churches and at commemorative events. The society lasted until the 1840s, when it disappeared due to economic reasons.

During the 19th century, there were several initiatives, both popular and bourgeois, to form musical groups that would enliven the promenades in Plaza de la Candelaria, the Alameda, and later Plaza del Príncipe; not forgetting the concerts held in the municipal theatre.

Perhaps the musical society that gained the most prestige in Santa Cruz in the second half of the 19th century was Santa Cecilia. Founded in 1879, its first president was Juan Sierra and its first orchestra conductor Juan Padrón. By 1881, the society had 315 members, including 51 musicians. The society also dedicated itself to musical education. Its heyday was considerable, as in 1886 they managed to own the splendid building that today houses the Parliament of the Canary Islands.

The Santa Cecilia Philharmonic Society based its income especially on contributions from its members, tuition fees from its students, and some subsidies provided by the City Council, but it had no choice but to close its doors in 1899 due to lack of resources to maintain its work.

In 1907, the Municipal Band gave its first concert, which over the years has achieved great stability and prestige.

Many more musical associations have existed in Santa Cruz throughout its history. From the Salón Fregoli of the early 20th century to the first chamber orchestra founded in the vibrant 1930s by Santiago Sabina. In recent years, musical interest has been spectacularly reinforced, among other reasons, by the existence of the prestigious Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife (Tenerife Symphony Orchestra) and, on the other hand, by the annual celebration of the Festival de Música de Canarias (Canary Islands Music Festival).

Finally, we add that perhaps the most renowned musician born in Santa Cruz is Teobaldo Power (1848-1884), author of the famous Cantos Canarios .

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