The event has been postponed for two years due to the pandemic. But that’s it, Sète has finally inaugurated its new cultural jewel, the brand new inter-municipal music conservatory Manitas de Plata. A work of architects Pierre Di Tucci and Rudy Ricciotti, to whom we owe the Mucem de Marseille in particular.
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The new inter-municipal music conservatory of Sète, baptized Manitas de Plata in homage to the great gypsy guitarist born in the city, aims to become a regional center of music education, at a time when Montpellier is actively working to become the capital of Culture 2028. The inauguration of the place, on June 18, was a great moment of sharing and popular celebration that brought together residents and music lovers around the love of music in all its forms.
The famous guitarist Manitas de Plata (1921-2014), the gypsy with the silver hands, gave his name to the place. A tribute to someone who was born in a caravan, on the very spot where the 6,000m² dedicated to learning music now stand. The restored building, designed by architects Pierre Di Tucci and Rudy Ricciotti, is one with the quays of the city. On the occasion of the inauguration of the premises, an exhibition dedicated to Manitas de Plata is presented to the public until July 6th.
A virtuoso and self-taught musician who could not read notes, Manita de Plata had an extraordinary international career. He has sold over 90 million albums worldwide and remains the flamenco artist who has sold the most records to date.
Its history, linked to the city of Sète, also corresponds to the desire of the conservatory to teach all types of music to as many people as possible. Within the walls of the magnificent auditorium, students in orchestra classes can learn about all the particularities of a large room. A little further, you can hear some jazz notes or even electronic music. Here, all talents are valued. “We can both teach for the general public and for people who have enormous talent and who will be able to succeed beyond the city of Sète”, explains Jean Paul Salasse, who chairs the association of friends of the Conservatory. With 50 soundproofed classrooms and rehearsals, the place accommodates some 69 teachers and 2,500 students. A project without faults notes!