President of the Alicante Provincial Assembly, Carlos Mazón, accompanied by the Cultural Representative, Juan de Dios Navarro, and by the auditorium’s artistic and musical director, Joseph Vicente, visited several key areas of ADDA this morning. The tour highlighted cultural heritage and paid homage to local composers and musicians such as Oscar Esplá, Ruperto Chapi, Jesús Mula, José Tomás, Albert Rodríguez, Ana María Sánchez, and Amando Blanquer. The aim was to acknowledge the lasting impact these figures have had on Alicante’s musical landscape and its broader artistic community.
The auditorium spaces carry names that reflect this heritage. The hall formerly known as the Symphony Hall has been renamed Oscar Esplá Room in honor of the outstanding composer whose work blends careful musical structure with a distinctive Alicante folklore flavor. Esplá is celebrated as a pivotal figure in Spanish music whose compositions resonate with regional character.
The chamber room is named after Ruperto Chapí of Villena, renowned for his popular zarzuela works. The rehearsal room is associated with Alicante guitarist José Tomás, a notable figure among the masters of the 20th century.
Also commemorated is the celebrated composer, commentator, and professor Jesús Mula, born in Rafal and who passed away in Alicante two years ago, lending his name to the Sala de Músicos de Descanso. The Crystal Room has been renamed Rodríguez Albert in memory of the generation of writers born in the late 1920s.
The Ágora Colloquium Room has been christened Ana María Sánchez Room to honor the soprano who died last year in Elda, whose career gained international reach through performances on major European stages. Finally, the educator and composer from Alcoy, Amando Blanquer, is the figure after whom the auditorium hall is named.
With this renaming, a new era for ADDA is set in motion. The spaces now bear the names of figures who shaped the province’s musical and cultural identity, connecting local tradition with international recognition. The act serves as a public recognition of the creative forces that have contributed to Alicante’s reputation as a hub for high quality performing arts.
A spokesperson noted that the initiative fulfills a promise and a long-held dream. The province is the birthplace of many esteemed composers and performers who bear the name Alicante both within Spain and beyond, leaving an enduring mark on international music history. The renaming process also serves to record ADDA as a world reference, signifying the province’s cultural legacy and its contribution to the arts. Mazón stated that the space’s legacy, work, and contribution to the region’s cultural and musical baggage deserve clear recognition. [Fuente: Diputación de Alicante]
This act positions ADDA as a living testament to the rich artistic lineage of the province, inviting visitors to reflect on the enduring collaboration between local talent and global audiences. It also reinforces the role of cultural institutions in preserving memory while inspiring future generations to explore music, performance, and creative expression. The renaming is presented as both a tribute and a strategic investment in Alicante’s ongoing cultural vitality. [Fuente: Diputación de Alicante]