A key figure in 20th-century Valencian music. Composer, conductor, and music educator, his legacy has transformed the music for the Moors and Christians festivals.
José María Ferrero Pastor was born in Ontinyent (Valencia) on December 21, 1926. The son of an amateur musician—owner of a family business and horn player in the Unión Musical band—he inherited his love of music and his first notions of solfège from his father…
Ontinyent, August 27, 1964. It’s the night of the Alardos, the prelude to the Festival.
The Kábilas troupe is having dinner in the courtyard of the now-demolished “Hostal El Sol.”
A group of musicians enters, led by José María Ferrero. After a few words addressed to Mr. Joaquín Sanz Aura, the music begins…
Mestre Ferrero is undoubtedly an indispensable and emblematic figure in Valencian music. His genius lies not only in the intrinsic beauty of his works but also in his ability to capture the very essence of the Festival.
The melodies of all his works have become ingrained in the collective soul of festival-goers and musicians, passed down from generation to generation. Ferrero’s influence extends far beyond the musical score; he continues to inspire new composers and conductors.