! Murcia Today – The House Of Music And Legacy Of The Arts Opens In Jumilla Old Town

The inauguration of the Jumilla theatre will be followed by its first musical concert on November 24

In honour of the feast day of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, the House of Music and Legacy of the Arts (‘La Casa de la Música y Legado de las Artes’) in Jumilla old town opened its doors for the first time on Wednesday November 23.

Jumilla City Council took possession of the Pérez de los Cobos ancestral house back in 2009 and the iconic building has been lovingly restored over the intervening years. It’s now been transformed into a magnificent interpretive and flexible space dedicated to the historical, cultural and artistic legacy of Jumilla.

At an emotional event on Wednesday night, mayor of Jumilla, Seve González, congratulated the architects “for the magnificent work carried out, for recovering and giving identity to the building and for turning it into an architectural reference.”

Guests toasted the speeches with complimentary drinks from the world-renowned Jumilla Wine Route before enjoying a concert featuring Roque Baños on saxophone and Pedro Valero on piano.

Following an open day on Thursday, the House of Music will host its first ever performance with a zarzuela recital that is sure to raise the roof.

The House of Music and Legacy of the Arts of Jumilla is located in a Renaissance mansion dating from the late 16th century, also known as ‘Casa Honda de Barón del Solar’ or ‘Casa Manor de las Cutillas’, which has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC). At different times it served as a residence and granary, as well as a winery and oil mill.

It was built by Francisco Pérez de los Cobos ‘El Rico’ and his wife Mariana de Cutillas-Torres and has a splendid mannerist façade made of ashlar stone, in addition to the striking grill work which depicts the Cutillas family coast of arms.

The mansion’s last inhabitant was the Jumillan master composer Julián Santos, whose work now holds pride of place in the House of Music and Legacy of the Arts.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Jumilla