Banda Simfònica "Lira Carcaixentina" de Carcaixent (Valencia)

    Rafael Sanz Espert was born in Llombai, near Valencia, in 1960 and initially studied under José Cardona Lahoz and Antonio Daniel Huguet. After obtaining his degree in music, he took advanced studies in Paris and Rotterdam. He is a zen buddist and member of the Spanish association of quantum medicine, neuroscience and bioenergy.

    He has taught at the Banda Municipal de Castellón de la Plana and the Conservatorio Municipal 'Maestro Vert'. He has been guest director with various bands and orchestras, including the Madrid municipal band and the 'The United States Army Orchestra' - the official White House band.

    He has been honorary director of the Sociedad Unión Musical in Llombai since 1987. He has been resident director with the following bands: Javea in Alicante, Rafelguaraf, Llombai, Cieza in Murcia, Unión Musical in Sueca (first prize and honorable mention 1987), Alberic, Unión Musical in Carlet and Unió Musical de Lliria (1993-97, winning, among other awards, the first prize and honorable mention in the honour section of the Valencia International Music Band Contest in 1997). He frequently participates in courses and workshops on band directing in many universities, including the University of Berkeley in Boston, USA.

    He is currently resident director of La Filarmónica of L'Alcúdia in Valencia (first prize in the special section of Villa de Leganés, Madrid 1998) and Lira Carcaixentina (first prize and honorable mention in the special section of the Valencia International Music Band Contest). He has been awarded the gold medal from the institute of fine arts. He has been teaching in the Valencia municipal band since 1985.