Benidorm is famous for its beaches, nightlife and skyline, but every summer the city also becomes a meeting place for talented classical musicians from across Europe.
One of the highlights of the cultural calendar is Clásicos a las 9, a series of five free evening concerts held as part of the prestigious 37th Benidorm International Music Course and the 27th Benidorm International Music Competition.
Whether you are already spending your holiday in Benidorm or simply looking for a different way to spend an evening on the Costa Blanca, these concerts offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy world-class music in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
At a Glance
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 29 June | 21:00 | Opening Concert |
| 30 June | 21:00 | Oboe, Violin & Piano |
| 1 July | 21:00 | Clarinet & Trombone |
| 2 July | 21:00 | Marimba Concert |
| 3 July | 21:00 | International Competition Final |
📍 Venue: Auditorium of the Benidorm Cultural Centre
💰 Admission: Free (until full capacity)
♿ Accessible venue
What Is Clásicos a las 9?
Clásicos a las 9 is the public concert series of the Benidorm International Music Course, an event that has helped establish the city as an important destination for classical music education for almost four decades.
Each evening, internationally renowned professors perform alongside award-winning young musicians, creating concerts that combine experience, virtuosity and emerging talent.
Unlike the daytime masterclasses, these evening performances are completely free, making them one of the best-value cultural experiences on the Costa Blanca this summer.
Venue
All concerts take place at the modern Auditorium of the Benidorm Cultural Centre, one of the city’s newest cultural venues.
The auditorium offers comfortable seating, excellent acoustics and full accessibility, making it an ideal setting for chamber music and solo performances.
Because admission is free, seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving at least 20–30 minutes before the concert is recommended, particularly for the opening and closing evenings.
Concert Programme
📅 Monday, 29 June
The opening concert features Aleksandra Kindic, winner of the previous Benidorm International Music Competition, performing on oboe with the Benidorm Unión Musical Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rafa Gómez Parra.
This opening performance sets the tone for the week, combining a full orchestra with one of Europe’s promising young soloists.
📅 Tuesday, 30 June
The second evening focuses on chamber music.
Performers include:
- José Luis García Vegara – Oboe
- Takahiro Mita – Piano
- Tibor Gyenge – Violin
- Graham Jackson – Piano
The programme brings together internationally respected teachers from the Music Course, giving audiences the opportunity to hear musicians who normally perform on some of Europe’s most prestigious stages.
📅 Wednesday, 1 July
The third concert highlights both clarinet and trombone.
Featured artists include:
- François Benda – Clarinet
- Elina Gotsuliak – Piano
- Ian Bousfield – Trombone
- Timothy End – Piano
This evening is expected to be one of the most technically impressive concerts of the series, bringing together internationally acclaimed performers and professors from leading European conservatories.
Folytatás:
📅 Thursday, 2 July
The fourth evening is dedicated to one of the most captivating percussion instruments in classical music: the marimba.
The concert features internationally acclaimed soloists:
- Conrado Moya – Marimba
- Pablo Mor – Marimba
Both performers are recognised internationally for their work as soloists, educators and ambassadors of the marimba, making this one of the most distinctive concerts of the entire festival. Rather than a traditional orchestral performance, the audience can expect a programme showcasing the instrument’s remarkable versatility, combining technical brilliance with expressive, contemporary repertoire.
📅 Friday, 3 July
The concert series concludes with the Final of the XXVII Benidorm International Music Competition, dedicated to the clarinet in 2026.
The finalists perform before the competition jury accompanied by pianist Elina Gotsuliak, bringing five days of music to an exciting conclusion.
For many visitors, this is the highlight of the week, offering the chance to hear some of tomorrow’s leading classical musicians at the beginning of their professional careers.
More Than Just a Concert Series
Clásicos a las 9 is closely linked to the Benidorm International Music Course, one of Spain’s longest-running summer music academies.
Alongside the evening concerts, graduate musicians and advanced students participate in masterclasses led by internationally respected professors in six instrumental specialities:
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Trombone
- Violin
- Piano
- Marimba
This combination of education and public performance has helped establish Benidorm as an important destination for classical music during the summer months.
Why You Should Attend
Many visitors associate Benidorm with beaches, nightlife and entertainment.
Clásicos a las 9 offers something completely different.
Instead of crowded clubs or large outdoor festivals, you’ll enjoy an evening of outstanding live music in a comfortable concert hall, performed by internationally respected musicians and exceptional young talents.
Whether you’re already a classical music enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable cultural experience during your holiday, this concert series is well worth adding to your itinerary.
Visitor Tips
Arrive Early
Although admission is free, seating is limited. Arriving at least 20–30 minutes before the concert is recommended, especially for the opening night and the competition final.
Combine It with Dinner
The concerts begin at 9:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy dinner beforehand in Benidorm’s Old Town or Levante area before heading to the Cultural Centre.
Getting There
The Benidorm Cultural Centre is easily accessible by car, taxi and local bus services. If driving, allow extra time to find parking during the busy summer season.
Is Clásicos a las 9 Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking for a quieter evening away from Benidorm’s lively bars and clubs, this concert series provides an excellent alternative.
The combination of free admission, internationally recognised performers and a high-quality concert venue makes it one of the city’s best cultural events each summer.
Whether you attend one concert or the full five-night programme, Clásicos a las 9 offers a different perspective on Benidorm—one that many visitors never discover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clásicos a las 9 free?
Yes. Admission to all five concerts is free until the auditorium reaches capacity.
Do I need to book tickets?
No advance booking is normally required, but early arrival is recommended because seating is limited.
Where are the concerts held?
All performances take place in the Auditorium of the Benidorm Cultural Centre.
What time do the concerts begin?
Each concert starts at 9:00 pm from 29 June to 3 July 2026.
Related Summer Guides
If you’re looking for more summer events in Benidorm and across the Costa Blanca, you may also enjoy:
- LOS40 Summer Live 2026: Complete Guide to the Costa Blanca’s Free Concert Tour
- Castell de l’Olla Fireworks 2026
- Moros y Cristianos: The Costa Blanca’s Most Spectacular Free Festival
- Free Guided Tours & Nature Walks on the Costa Blanca
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