S. Roque Music Season Features Contemporary Premieres and Baroque Revivals
The 38th edition bridges 18th-century heritage with modern compositions across historic Lisbon venues.
1Historic Musical Celebration
The 38th edition of the Música em S. Roque season runs until October 22 in Lisbon. Organized by Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the event highlights the reign of King João V. Performances take place at the Church of S. Roque, the Convento de S. Pedro de Alcântara, and the National Music Museum.
2Stradivarius Cello Performance
Cellist Diana Vinagre will perform using the rare 'Chevillard-Rei de Portugal' Stradivarius. This instrument, part of the National Music Museum collection, is the only Stradivarius in a Portuguese public collection. Vinagre leads the Ensemble Bonne Corde during both the opening and closing concerts, showcasing the unique sound of this national treasure.
3Baroque and Modern Fusion
The program features absolute premieres by Sérgio Azevedo and Pedro Rodrigues alongside modern revivals of Baroque works. These revivals stem from extensive research by the performing ensembles. The opening concert recreates the 18th-century sound of the Patriarchal Chapel, featuring Antonio de Pádua Puzzi’s 'Messa a quattro voci' under Diana Vinagre’s direction.
4Contemporary Composition Premieres
On the second day, the Camerata Atlântica performs the absolute premiere of two works by Sérgio Azevedo: 'Piccola Sinfonia Scarlattiana' and 'Seixiana'. These pieces pay homage to Domenico Scarlatti and Carlos Seixas. Simultaneously, the Americantiga Ensemble presents the modern premiere of Niccolò Jommelli’s 'Laudate Pueri Dominum' at the Church of S. Roque.
5Liturgical Music Exploration
Pedro Rodrigues directs the Capella de S. Vicente in a program titled 'Veni Creator Spiritus'. This performance explores six centuries of Portuguese liturgical music, featuring a modern premiere by Frei João de Pádua. The concert also includes a new work by João Vaz, specifically composed for the Church of S. Roque.
6Joanine Era Dialogue
The season emphasizes a musical dialogue between Lisbon and Rome, reflecting the cultural connections of King João V’s reign. Musicologist Rui Vieira Nery will deliver a lecture on the theatricality of sacred music from this period. The programming was selected by a jury including Teresa Nicolau and Edward Ayres de Abreu.
7National Heritage Context
The Church of S. Roque houses the Chapel of São João Batista, the first Santa Casa da Misericórdia asset classified as a national treasure. This chapel serves as the thematic anchor for the season. The choice of the National Music Museum in Mafra for the closing concert highlights the monarch's architectural legacy.
8Cultural Artistic Mission
Teresa Nicolau, director of culture at SCML, describes the season as a celebration of the Joanine era's beauty. By commissioning new works, the organization aims to support contemporary artists and provide a platform for new music. This initiative reinforces the institution's 500-year commitment to preserving and evolving Portugal's artistic identity.