Elche brought one of Spain’s oldest living traditions to the heart of London on Friday (17 July) as the voices of the Misteri d’Elx filled the city’s oldest Catholic church.
Around 40 singers from the Capella and Escolanía performed a special concert at St Etheldreda’s Roman Catholic Church to mark the 25th anniversary of the medieval masterpiece’s recognition by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The performance introduced one of Elche’s greatest cultural treasures to a new international audience.
A memorable performance in historic surroundings
During the 40-minute concert, the choir performed a selection of the Mystery Play’s best-known pieces.
The audience followed key moments in the story through music sung by the
characters of Mary, the Angel, the Apostles and the Jewish people.
Organisers projected images from the Misteri d’Elx throughout the performance, while English translations helped newcomers follow the story.
The concert ended with the powerful Gloria, earning huge applause and leaving many audience members visibly moved.
A first international event for the new president
The London concert also marked the first major event attended by José Manuel Sabuco since becoming president of the Patronato del Misteri d’Elx earlier this week.
Sabuco has made international promotion one of his main priorities. He also wants to bring the Mystery Play closer to younger generations and people who have made Elche their home.
Friday’s concert marked an early step towards achieving those goals.
Elche showcases its greatest cultural treasure
The event attracted diplomats, civic leaders and cultural representatives, including Spain’s ambassador to the UK, Emma Aparici Vázquez de Parga, Valencian Tourism Minister Marián Cano and Elche Mayor Pablo Ruz.
Ruz said performing in such a historic church gave Elche another opportunity to showcase its most treasured cultural tradition on the international stage.
He described the Misteri d’Elx as the city’s greatest ambassador, adding that its music and traditions continue to connect with audiences wherever they are performed.
Celebrating 25 years of UNESCO recognition
The concert formed part of a programme celebrating 25 years since UNESCO recognised the Misteri d’Elx as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
For those who attended at St Etheldreda’s, it offered a rare opportunity to experience a tradition that has remained at the heart of Elche for more than 500 years.
The evening also showed that the emotion of La Festa reaches far beyond the city where it began.
