The Casals Festival of Puerto Rico, founded in 1956 by the famous cellist, conductor, and composer Pablo Casals, annually welcomes some of the most outstanding musical talents in the world. For eighteen years, maestro Casals was at the head of the Festival, sharing his music with the world, until he died in 1973. Since its foundation, the Casals Festival has been internationally recognized for the musical offer and interpretive quality of the invited artists, promoting cultural exchange between Maestros. For the past sixty-three years of musical excellence, numerous artists have been part of the festival's lineup. Significant figures such as Yo-Yo Ma, and ensembles of the highest caliber, such as the New York Philharmonic, have been among the festival's guests. Also, it provides a powerful platform for the exhibition and career development of our local talents. Since its establishment, the Casals Festival was designed to position Puerto Rico as a mecca in the symphonic music industry and cultural tourism. All of this through the leadership by its most important musical institution: the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra.