Marina Alta paid emotional farewell to beloved Dénia band maestro Josep Sendra

The Marina Alta region came together this week to say goodbye to one of its most influential cultural figures as family, friends, musicians and former students gathered to honour Josep Sendra i Piera, the former director of the Agrupació Artística Musical de Dénia.

But rather than a traditional sombre farewell, the ceremony in Pego became a celebration of music, community and joy, reflecting the spirit of the man many locals affectionately knew simply as “Pep” or “Cinder.”

Music replaced silence at emotional farewell

During the ceremony, members of the Agrupació Artística Musical performed several pieces in Sendra’s honour, with the pasodoble “Agüero” becoming one of the most emotional moments of the afternoon. According to local reports, some attendees even danced during the performance, transforming the farewell into a tribute filled with gratitude rather than silence. Sendra died at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of musicians across Dénia and the wider Marina Alta region.

The man who transformed Dénia’s band

Josep Sendra became director of the Agrupació Artística Musical de Dénia in 1978, taking charge not only of the band itself but also its educational school. Under his leadership, the organisation evolved into a more open and community-focused institution, placing social inclusion and education at the centre of its identity.

One of his most significant contributions came when he helped open the band to women for the first time. Before his arrival, the group had been exclusively male. Sendra encouraged the incorporation of the first four female musicians into the ensemble, a move widely regarded as groundbreaking at the time and one that permanently changed the culture of the organisation. He also created the Youth Band and promoted educational initiatives such as “Opera a l’escola,” helping introduce music to younger generations throughout the municipality. Many of those students later pursued professional musical careers.

A lasting cultural legacy in Marina Alta

Recognition for Sendra’s work continued in recent years. In 2022, the band officially named its rehearsal room the “Sala Josep Sendra i Piera” in tribute to his decades of dedication.

Beyond music, he was also known as a cultural promoter and historian connected to the legacy of tenor Cortis and the wider musical heritage of Dénia. His death has been widely felt across the Marina Alta cultural community. For many residents, however, the farewell itself reflected his greatest achievement: turning music into something deeply connected to the people of the town.