Cistermúsica 2025: Variations, Impressions & Illusions
From 27 June to 2 August, a festival that is ‘A Classic for ALL’ on a secular and unique stage: the Monastery of Alcobaça in Portugal.
With more than 50 concerts, the 2025 edition of Cistermúsica marks unmissable musical ephemeris spanning centuries of history and a rich diversity of styles. Among other highlights, our EFA Member celebrates 500 years since the birth of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525–1594), one of the foremost composers of the Renaissance, alongside the striking modernism of Shostakovich, on the 50th anniversary of his death, and the shimmering musical impressionism of Ravel.
It is precisely around Maurice Ravel (1875–1937), in celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth, that much of this edition's programme revolves, reflecting the many Impressions of his legacy. His work will be honoured through various formats and artistic expressions. Ravel’s music will feature in several symphonic and chamber concerts, including Daphnis et Chloé, Pavane pour une infante défunte, La Valse, Piano Concerto in G major, String Quartet in F major, Ma Mère l'Oye, Le Tombeau de Couperin, and of course, the unmissable Boléro. Ravel will also be celebrated in Maurice Accompagné, a ballet combining Ravel’s sophisticated music with the modernism of Luís de Freitas Branco.
Also taking centre stage is Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–1975), featuring works such as his Symphony No. 5, performed by Orquestra XXI, and the Cello Concerto No. 1, presented by the Young Portuguese Orchestra with Pavel Gomziakov as soloist.
This edition also reaffirms the festival’s commitment to Music by Women, giving visibility to the repertoire of female composers such as Andreia Pinto Correia, and giving the stage to excellent performers including soprano Carla Caramujo and pianist Mariamna Sherling, winner of the Santa Cecília International Competition 2023. They will appear as soloists with the Ensemble Mediterrain and the Philharmonic Orchestra, respectively.
The promotion of emerging talent remains a focus of Cistermúsica. The festival will once again welcome orchestras dedicated to the training and development of young musicians, including Orquestra XXI, JOP, and the Baltimore Youth Orchestra, as well as ensembles such as the MAAT Saxophone Quartet and the Tágide Quartet, both winners of the Young Musicians Award. Alongside them will be established names like La Grande Chapelle and pianist Pedro Burmester, who will perform J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations – a first for the festival.
From intimate programmes in architecturally stunning spaces to grand concerts in the Church and the Cloister, the 33rd edition of Cistermúsica reaffirms the Monastery of Alcobaça as a true place of pilgrimage for music lovers. It continues to unite diverse audiences and artistic expressions, bridging genres, eras, and formats.