La Balanguera: Mallorca anthem urged into schools

Mallorca’s official anthem, La Balanguera, could become a regular part of music lessons in primary and compulsory secondary education. On 25 September, Obra Cultural Balear, the Balearic Islands Music Teachers’ Association and the University of the Balearic Islands called for it to be added to the curriculum. They have asked the Ministry of Education and Universities to ensure that pupils’ knowledge and performance of the piece do not depend on the choice of individual schools or teachers.

The groups have also urged school music departments to include La Balanguera in their course plans. They say the work can be used for singing, instrumental performance and listening, while linking music with literature and the cultural heritage of the Balearic Islands.

The anthem began as a poem by Joan Alcover and was set to music by Amadeu Vives. The OCB says a previous group performance involving schools and secondary centres showed that the piece attracted interest among pupils and schools. It believes the anthem can become part of pupils’ musical education rather than appearing only for one-off or commemorative events.

The proposal is tied to the Alcover Year, marking the centenary of the writer’s death and of the first musical performance of La Balanguera. The OCB says teaching the work to new generations would help keep Alcover’s literary and humanist legacy alive and pass on Mallorca’s cultural heritage.

Topics: Protests · Education · Culture

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com