FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 94 - ENGLISH

25 At the National Auditorium THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN PRESIDED OVER A WAR REQUIEM IN MEMORIAM FOR THE VICTIMS ` Photos: Office of His Majesty the King O n 6 March, a ‘packed to the rafters’ National Music Auditorium host- ed the twenty-fourth edition of the In Memoriam Concert for the victims of terrorism, presided over once again by Their Majesties the King and Queen. This annual event, organised by the Victims of Terrorism Foundation (FVT) in collabo- ration with the Ministry of the Interior, Madrid City Council, the INAEM and the RTVE Symphony Orchestra and Choir, is one of the key events in preserving the memory and public recognition of the victims. As is traditional, victims of terror- ism, representatives of civil society and charitable organisations, as well as numerous dignitaries, attended the concert featuring the RTVE Sympho- ny Orchestra and Choir which, under the baton of the Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, performed Benjamin Britten’s (1913–1976) War Requiem , Op. 66, on this occasion. The soloists were Miren Urbieta-Ve- ga (soprano), Moisés Marín (tenor) and Sebastián Peris (baritone), alongside the Sinan Kay Boys’ Choir. On their arrival, Their Majesties were welcomed by the President of the Constitutional Court, Cándido Conde-Pumpido; the Government Del- egate in Madrid, Francisco Martín Ale- gre; and the President of the Victims of Terrorism Foundation, Juan Francisco Benito Valenciano. Inside the auditorium, other dignitar- ies and representatives of victims’ or- ganisations were waiting to exchange formal greetings, which culminated in the traditional family photograph. After a few minutes’ wait, Their Majesties made their way to their seats amidst expressions of affec- tion from the public gathered on the stairs and balconies. With the King and Queen now seated in the first tier, the performance of the Nation- al Anthem, the institutional address by the President of the FVT and a re- spectful minute’s silence preceded the start of the concert. EDUCATION, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY LIFE