Distinguished members of the jury for the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts,

The Berklee College of Music in Boston has nominated the International Wind Band Contest "City of Valencia" for the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts 2011. I wish to add my signature to this nomination because it is the most important and historical event of its kind in the world, an unmissable date, every year, for the bands that participate in its different divisions which are determined by the number of musicians in the groups.  

Throughout its long history more than 500,000 musicians and thousands of music associations from all over the world have taken part in the Contest. It is difficult to estimate the number of pieces performed and premiered, many of them commissioned for the Contest, or the number of conductors and international jurors who have taken part, or how many prizes have been awarded.

Consequently, I believe that the International Wind Band Contest "City of Valencia", which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary, deserves to the considered for this important award and recognition from the Prince of Asturias Foundation.

Best regards,