BTN News: The 29th edition of La Mar de Músicas, organized by the Ayuntamiento de Cartagena, is set to embark on a musical journey through the Mediterranean Sea, exploring the diverse sounds of eleven islands. From July 19 to 27, Cartagena will host 42 concerts featuring artists from 17 different countries. Notable performers include Carla Bruni, Marisa Monte, Julieta Venegas, La Plazuela, Xoel López, Michel Camilo alongside Tomatito, Eliades Ochoa, and Christina Rosenvinge. Tickets and passes are available at lamardemusicas.com.
The festival kicks off with a performance by Sicilian artist Carmen Consoli, one of Italy’s finest musicians. Representing Malta, Joon will bring her electronic music to the stage. Menorca’s Anna Ferrer will enchant audiences with her modern take on traditional folk, while Júlia Colom from Mallorca will similarly blend contemporary sounds with Balearic heritage. From Cyprus, Buzz’ Ayaz, under the Glitter Beat label, will showcase their latest work.
Sardinia’s Daniela Pes, a rising star in the music scene, will also perform. Marina Satti, Greece’s Eurovision representative, will bring her unique mix of traditional Greek and urban music, a style that has earned her the nickname “the Greek Rosalía.” The experimental sounds of Electric Litany, whose members hail from Corfu, will also be featured.
Johan Papaconstantino from Corsica will deliver a quintessential Mediterranean sound, while avant-garde Turkish singer Gaye Su Akyol will represent the Prince Islands near Istanbul, often an inspiration for her music. The special Mediterranean Islands segment will conclude with Spanish artist Christina Rosenvinge, inspired by the ancient Greek poet Sappho from Lesbos.
In addition to the island-themed performances, the festival will feature artists from 17 countries. Latin American voices include Mexican singer Julieta Venegas, who will open the festival, Chilean Ana Tijoux, and Brazilian Marisa Monte. Brazilian musician Arnaldo Antunes, with pianist Victor Araújo, will also perform. From Mexico, the cumbia group Son Rompe Pera will join, and from the Dominican Republic, Michel Camilo, accompanied by Tomatito, will present their third collaborative album.
Colombian band El Caribefunk will bring Afro-Caribbean fusion sounds, while Cuban son musician Eliades Ochoa will be honored as this year’s festival award recipient. French singer Carla Bruni, Japanese artist Ichiko Aoba with the Region of Murcia Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, and Portuguese singer Ana Lua Caiano will also grace the stage. Malian musician Ballaké Sissoko will introduce audiences to the traditional sound of the kora.
This year’s festival features a strong Spanish presence, with performances by Baiuca, Lau Noah, Pedro Pastor, Ralphie Choo, Rosowsky, Travis Birds, Depedro, Xoel López, Ángeles Víctor Gloria y Javier, Rita Payés, María José Llergo, Adiós Amores, Christina Rosenvinge, Derby Motoreta’s Burrito Kachimba, La Plazuela, and The Gardener.
Local bands from Cartagena will participate in the Somos de Aquí segment, performing across various stages instead of a single venue. Featured acts include Karmacadabra, Naked Family, Nunatak, and Mavica.
La Mar de Músicas is known for its significant female representation, and this edition is no exception, with 20 out of 42 concerts featuring women artists. Additionally, 17 concerts will be free, along with all parallel festival activities such as art, cinema, and literature, which will be announced in the coming months. The festival’s poster is designed by Mallorcan artist Ela Fidalgo.
Tickets range from €10 to €35. Two passes were available: one for all concerts at the Auditorio Paco Martín and the Castillo Árabe for €100, and another for all concerts at the Patio del Antiguo CIM for €60, both now sold out. Ticket prices remain the same as last year and can be purchased at lamardemusicas.com.
The festival is supported by sponsors including Repsol, Estrella de Levante, the Ministry of Culture, La Verdad, and the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena. Additional partners include the Instituto de las Industrias Culturales de la Región de Murcia, Radio 3, Kia M. Gallego, Ikea, Lhicarsa, Alsa, and Hidrogea. La Mar de Músicas is part of the Festivales Región de Murcia brand.
