Bembibre’s Botillo Festival had the composer and conductor Cristóbal Halffter as mantenedor.

Born in Madrid, but living in Villafranca del Bierzo, he is one of the most outstanding artists of the 50s generation. His work ‘Antífona Pascual’ had an impact in 1952 and, a year later, he won the National Music Prize with his Piano Concert.

He introduced new musical techniques and modern characteristics for his time, maintaining a personal style. He obtained the Gold Medal for Fine Arts and was commissioned to perform the cantata “Tes, speak out” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Husband of the pianist María Manuela Caro y Carvajal, who represented a branch of the Marquis of Villafranca del Bierzo. Halffter lives in the Palace of the Marquis of Villafranca.