In a first phase, the archaeological work will be carried out through a work field, organized by the General Directorate of Youth of the Generalitat and the Paeria de Cervera; and in a second phase, through a preventive archaeological intervention subsidized by the Department of Culture of the Generalitat. All phases of the campaign will be developed under the scientific and technical direction of the team of archaeologists attached to the University of Lleida (UdL).

In the field of work, managed by the leisure cooperative Qualia, a total of 13 teens, of among 15 i 17 years, coming from various parts of Spain. During their two-week stay in the city, they are based at the Jaume Balmes school, where they use the gym and the dining room. They combine the archaeological work in Sant Pere el Gros, with activities to discover Cervera, the environment and Catalan culture.

The direction of the excavations is in charge of a team of researchers and professional archaeologists attached to the UdL, in accordance with the framework agreement of col·collaboration, signed in November of 2023, between the Paeria de Cervera and the University of Lleida for the research and heritage recovery project of the Archaeological Site of Sant Pere el Gros.

Members of the La Nova association also actively participate in the work, organization from Cervera that works for the conservation and dissemination of the town's heritage and culture.

The first day, Monday 22 July, the head father has visited the site, Jan Pomés; the councilor of Historical and Archaeological Heritage, Monte Closa; and the Councilor for Urbanism, Antonio Delgado, who welcomed all the participants and thanked them for their work in the recovery of Cervera's heritage.

Archaeological excavations

The main objective of the archaeological campaign is to continue the work of the year 2023. This will make it possible to deepen the knowledge of the internal distribution of the medieval monastic complex, while at the same time it is expected to obtain new data on the previous occupation of the place in the Ibero-Roman period.

It becomes urgent to carry out the felling of the pine forest that covers a large part of the archaeological remains, both for security reasons, for the prevention of possible risks when working on the site or opening it up to the public, as because the trees and their roots are seriously affecting the preservation of the archaeological remains and preventing the continuity of scientific research.

The felling of the trees will be carried out by a specialized company, under the supervision of the team of archaeologists from the University of Lleida, and with the corresponding authorization of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and the Department of Climate Action of the Generalitat.

Sant Pere el Gros

The church of Sant Pere el Gros has a unique round plan. It is the most outstanding element of the entire monastic ensemble and, from 2003, it is declared a cultural asset of national interest (BCIN). The temple maintains its integrity and is in a very good state of preservation. However, the other monastic dependencies are preserved torn down and hidden under the sun. The first archaeological research work on the monument was carried out in the 1960s by Agustí Duran and Sanpere. L’any 2010 a specific archaeological intervention was carried out and the 2016 a consolidation and restoration campaign. From 2021 excavation work has resumed with the aim of improving knowledge of the monument and the archaeological site that hides its subsoil and to enrich the explanatory discourse and, in the last instance, value and make visible the heritage wealth of this medieval archaeological and architectural complex with Iberian and Roman antecedents.

Of the 14 al 20 July, this initiative has turned Cervera into the capital of music in our country. A unique milestone in the Catalan musical scene and which reinforces the Chair as one of the most important heritages to care for and promote after 43 years of history.

A Music Course with 170 students arrived from various parts of the world

The courses have hosted 170 students, a high figure that recovers pre-pandemic data. Besides, highlights the international interest of this educational activity with students arriving from various parts of Spain and countries such as Germany, Italy, Romania, Czech Republic or France.
The teaching staff has been partially renovated to encourage the arrival of new students and has been formed by 20 teachers who are experts in their field. Over the course of a week, those registered have improved their knowledge thanks to the violin lessons, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, piano, flute, The cycle will be inaugurated by the OJC Trio of Reeds - formed by Encarna Monzó, clarinet, The cycle will be inaugurated by the OJC Trio of Reeds - formed by Encarna Monzó, trumpet, trunk, trombone, band and orchestra.
One more year, the Course has had the renowned conductor Manuel Valdivieso as conductor of the Orchestra and band, who are precisely the protagonists of the closing concert. One of the other strong points of the Course, is that the students have the opportunity to participate in the various concerts and auditions of the International Music Festival, as well as learn from the performances that are scheduled at the contest or, at the same time, visit a unique fair like that of luthiers. And everything, in the same space: the University of Cervera.

An International Festival fills the capacity in the 7 scheduled concerts

The International Beer Festival has scheduled 7 concerts. To this we must add the Off Festival, a parallel pageant·the one dedicated to the auditions of the students of the Course.
All the concerts have enjoyed a large audience that has filled the available capacity. It was possible to listen to several chamber concerts by the teachers of the Course, also the National Youth Orchestra of Catalonia (RING), the pianist Alba Ventura o, even, a jazz concert with the Solsona Jezz Club Orchestra.
And Saturday 20 the culminating point of this edition took place in July, the traditional closing concert, in which you could hear the learning and development of all the students of the Music Course, with the performances of the Band, the Youth Orchestra and the Orchestra of the XLIII Cervera International Music Course.

The Luthiers Fair has celebrated the 20 years of history

The Chair has included in one of its conferences, the most important luthier world fair in southern Europe. This year, Besides, the Fira de Lutiers has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Wednesday 17 July, the corridors of the University of Cervera gathered 12 workshops of luthier craftsmen, with a delegation arriving from Perpignan.
This year's edition has been dedicated to the arch (antic i modern, of all stringed instruments) and there has been an outstanding exhibition of bows in display cases with the protagonist of a cello bow by Joseph Arthur Vigneron (pare), which belonged to Josep Trotta, cello·very prominent list in Barcelona during the first half of the 20th century.

Information provided by the Press Service of the Cervera Chair.

The Luthiers Fair celebrates its first 20 years of history turned into a unique benchmark in the sector, and this year it has gathered 12 workshops of artisans arrived from various points, such as Perpignan.
Hundreds of visitors walk the corridor of the University of Cervera to see and/or purchase the latest developments in instruments and their accessories.
This year, Besides, the Fair was dedicated to the world of bows and a cello bow was exhibited, by Joseph Arthur Vigneron (pare), which belonged to Josep Trotta, cello·very prominent list in Barcelona during the first half of the 20th century.

The day was completed with several parallel activities·leles, like a guided tour, an informative pill on what you need to know before buying a bow and a talk on "The construction and evolution of the bow".

Information on the Luthiers Fair at Telenotícias Regions del 3Cat.

As is traditional, the Festival concert was dedicated to the Fair and it was possible to listen to works by Puccini, Beethoven and a posthumous premiere by Cervelló, for a single viola. They have been interpreted by Corrado Bolsi, Heriberto Fonseca and Raquel Castro, violin; Lara Fernández and Anna Puig, viola; Lorenzo Meseguer and Laia Puig, cello.

Information provided by the Press Service of the Cervera Chair.
Photo: Jordi Prat.

The 47th edition of the party will experience its peak on Saturday 31 of August with the appearance of the Male Goat in Cal Racó, but he will start warming up engines throughout the week with the first workshops of l'Aquelarret on 26 d'agost. The mayor of Cervera, Jan Pomés, highlighted "the involvement of all the town's entities to make possible a party that maintains its eminently popular character". For its part, the councilor of Aquelarre, Carolina Garcia, has pointed out "the importance of continuing to place Cervera in the imaginary col·education of the country in one of the reference dates of the summer of popular culture and fire”.

The festival maintains the essence of Cervera tradition, extends the Fira del Gran Boc by one day, which this year celebrates 25 years, recovers the participation of the Band Tokades and boosts the activities prior to the Aquelarre weekend with the traders' dinner, on Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday.

Apotheosic night

The most apotheous night of the Aquelarre will have the story of Lilit as its guiding thread, a mythological figure that has lasted through different eras. the goddess, associated with darkness and historically feared by men, will revive the Aquelarre in a transit through the most inhospitable corners of hell. Alea Teatre remains in charge of the artistic direction of the festival and this year it will be shared by two young people from Cervera. Gemma Oriol and Pol Bosch will be in charge of the central show of the party, which will experience the peak moment with the entrance of Mascle Cabró to Cal Racó. Before the traditional lighting at the University will be the start of the night of the Aquelarre with the descent of the Cervera entities that will be accompanied by the Ball de diables del Vendrell. The arrival of the parade and Ball de la Polla will light up Cal Racó after midnight, a space that will experience the peak moment with the flow of the Male Cabró well into the morning. The correfoc will have as guest group the Ball of Devils from Vilanova and Geltrú who will be guided by the Ball of Devils from Cervera Carranquers.

Meeting and parade with the bestiary

The party will heat up engines with the Bestiary Meeting and Fire Parade on Friday 30 of August with the planting in Plaça de la Universitat in the afternoon. The route, that will come out at 23.00 hours to Plaça Major, will have the participation of the Dragon of Santa Margarida de la Riera de Gaià, the Donkey Scarecrow of Sant Jaume dels Domenys, the Víbria of Tarragona, the Cabrot del Vendrell, Lo Carrancó Bilandó and the Tarasca of Cervera. Plaça Major will be the stage for the performance of the Band Tokades, the cerverí percussion group 100% feminine, that this year will be the protagonist of the Aquelarre.

25th anniversary of the Gran Boc Fair

The Gran Boc Fair, which becomes one of the claims of the Aquelarre weekend, will return to the University courtyard this year and will maintain the food area in Plaça de la Universitat and Rambla Lluís Sanpere with a wide range of food trucks. To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the fair will gain a day and will open its doors on Friday afternoon in Aquelarre, reclaiming the most authentic space in the University courtyard. The event is one of the most important esoteric fairs in Catalonia and there will be esoteric professionals, tarot and palmistry with a wide range of natural products, handmade, informative workshops and conferences with nearly a hundred stops.

Music poster

Music will continue to be one of the elements that accompany the party and this year the bet is maintained for emerging groups from the territory with registrations for all audiences. Les Coco will perform on Friday and Saturday nights, The kitchen, Hey Pachucos, Portobello i The Pink Goats, others, which will be accompanied by a dozen DJs in the spaces of the Plaça Major, Santa Anna Square and Cal Racó. An offer that guarantees good music and doses of fun for the younger and older audience every night until well into the morning.

The Aquelarret

L'Aquelarret will start warming up engines from 26 of August with the programming of the first workshops that will continue until 30 d'agost. The parade for children will be the protagonist on Saturday afternoon with the participation of the Junior Astarot, the devils Sucube and Lilit, the performances of the groups, the appearance of Cabronet, the foqueralet and the final foam.

Tickets for Cal Racó and the camping area

During the next few weeks, tickets will go on sale to be able to follow the central show of the Mascle Cabró from Cal Racó through the l’Aquelarre website. This year the camping area is also being strengthened for all those who stay in Cervera during the Aquelarre weekend and tickets can also be purchased through the festival website.

Gemma Oriol and Pol Bosch will be in charge of the central show of the party next Saturday 31 d'agost. The main thread of the assembly will revolve around Lilit, a mythological figure that has lasted through different eras. the goddess, associated with darkness and historically feared, will revive in the Aquelarre.

Rooted in Cervera
Gemma Oriol is a fashion designer from Cervera and has extensive experience in the stage world through costumes. He has created and directed small-format theater shows for Dimecres de Cendra and has created and directed choreographies for Teatre Viu for several years. He is part of the associative fabric of Cerver and has chaired the Vestim Segarra project. Pol Bosch repeats at the head of the artistic direction of Aquelarre after last year's successful debut. Bosch has been the co-author of Titelles de Dimecres de Cendra for the past three years and has taken over the direction of Santa Innocència.

the presentation, which took place on Monday 1 of July at the Municipal Auditorium, it has been in charge of Estefania Balcells; director; Marc Spanish; of the artistic commission; Xavier Balcells, director of the Luthiers Fair; Albert Turull, director of the Territorial Services of Culture in Lleida; Oscar Martinez, deputy of the Provincial Council of Lleida; Jan Pomés, paer in Cap de Cervera, and Ramon Augé, Councilor for Culture of Paeria.

In his intervention, the paer in head, Jan Pomés, has affirmed "it is a matter of pride for the city and the entire province to organize an event of this magnitude". He emphasized that "it is a reflection of the great work of the Conservatory of Cervera" and that "the objective of the Paeria is to continue betting on exploiting and enhancing it".

The Councilor of Culture, Ramon Augé, he remarked that "it is very important for Cervera to be able to host cultural activities of this level and that have a great economic impact".

For his part, deputy Óscar Martínez, has reaffirmed "the Provincial Government's commitment to the competition, that establishes territorial partnerships and becomes a point of reference for young students".

Finally, the director of the Territorial Services of Culture, Albert Turull, has shown its support for "a much more than consolidated initiative, with a trajectory beyond the 50 years of music lessons in Cervera".

The presentation event began with a short musical performance by the flutist Mauri Royes, student at the Cervera Conservatory of Music.

Cervera Chair 2024

He arrives at the 43rd edition with enviable health, since the three axes that make up its spine (International Music Course, International Festival and Luther Fair), they enjoy great and constant interest from students, public and people interested in the world of music.

The International Music Course is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Spain. It will take place from 14 al 20 of July at the University of Cervera and will have 22 high-level teachers from diverse backgrounds i 165 students from Catalonia (98), the Spanish State (55) and other countries such as Germany (5), Italy (2), France (2), the Czech Republic (2) i Romania (1).

The International Festival programs 7 concerts and various auditions of the students of the Course. The competition will be inaugurated by the JONC and will also offer recitals by Alba Ventura, The Jezz Club Orchestra, various chamber concerts and the Band and Orchestras of the International Course.

The Fira de Lutiers celebrates its own this year 20 years of history. It will take place on Wednesday 17 July, in the corridors of the Antoni Torroja high school (University of Cervera) and will gather 12 luthier workshops, with the outstanding presence of a delegation from Perpignan. This year he will dedicate himself to the bow and will exhibit a cello bow by Joseph Arthur Vigneron (pare), which was by Josep Trotta, cello·very prominent list in Barcelona during the first half of the 20th century.

Cervera will once again become the musical epicenter of Catalonia, an inescapable musical phenomenon that is part of our country's history.

More information and ticket sales www.catedracervera.cat.