Oeiras In­ter­na­tion­al Piano Festival

The two main goals of Oeiras International Piano Recital are to bring high-quality international pianists to the municipality of Oeiras, fostering a growing interest in “classical music” and generating a community of culture that places Oeiras on the itinerary of the most prestigious summer festivals. An associated objective is to hold masterclasses for young pianists and introductory piano courses for all ages as a way for the public to actively participate in the Festival. 

Just as Roland Barthes said of Schumann's music, you have to play it to feel it, we also try to communicate the idea that great piano music encourages everyone to participate, performers and audience, forming a kind of large musical body, in which each person develops and interprets (playing or listening) the work presented.

Interpreters are also chosen based on this ability to connect with the public and considering whenever possible the gender balance as is the case this year.

From year to year, there has been a growing audience, which sells out the shows, increases its musical literacy and exercises its fundamental right to artistic and cultural enjoyment. From the outset, the Flor da Murta Music Academy has recognised that a Festival of this nature, whose ex libris is the free admission to high-level performances, has only been possible thanks to the decisive support of Oeiras City Council and some private sponsors such as BPI – La Caixa Foundation and the Areeiro Senior Residences, as well as a partnership with entities such as RDP 2, Vila Galé Hotels and the Nadir Afonso (Portuguese painter) Foundation.

There has been very significant progress in terms of retaining the loyalty of a diverse audience (from different ages and cultural backgrounds) which allows us to conclude that it is fulfilling what has always been the Festival’s essential goal: the creation of an inclusive and humanistic community of culture around “classical music”, an objective that determined its intention to be member of the European Festivals Association (EFA).