‘Cello festival À Corda' back in Coimbra for its fifth edition
Franco-Swiss cellist Ophélie Gaillard will perform at the Joanina Library on 22 September, marking one of the festival’s highlights.
The À Corda Cello Festival is back in Coimbra from 5 to 28 September for its fifth edition, organised by the Associação Momentos À Corda. The programme was presented at the General Library of the University of Coimbra (BGUC), and includes concerts, masterclasses and workshops at cultural and heritage sites such as the Coimbra Conservatory of Music, Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, Gil Vicente Academic Theatre, Joanina Library and Convento de São Francisco.
Confirmed artists include Ophélie Gaillard, Torleif Thedéen, Martti Rousi, Vasco Dantas, Isabel Vaz, Quarteto Chiado, Jacob Shaw and Filipe Quaresma. According to artistic director Tiago Anjinho, the festival celebrates Portuguese cultural heritage through the cello, with concerts ranging from Coimbra Fado to Baroque, Romantic and Brazilian music.
Delfim Leão, the UC Vice-Rector for Culture and Heritage, emphasised the importance of the festival for the city, which brings together renowned performers and historic venues. Rafael Nascimento, from Coimbra City Council, praised the event’s evolution and distinctive character, noting that it offers a unique chance to experience both tangible and intangible heritage. to experience both tangible and intangible heritage.
For the second consecutive year, BGUC hosted the festival press conference. BGUC Director Manuel Porteal emphasised the festival’s uniqueness, highlighting the Biblioteca Joanina concert as a particularly special event. Bruno Paixão, Director of the INATEL Foundation in Coimbra, praised the festival for its boldness, the excellence of its artist selection, and the way it integrates music with heritage.
The festival opened at the Coimbra Conservatory of Music with Isabel Vaz’co Dantas Duo & artist C’Marie, and closes on 28 September at Convento de São Francisco with Filipe Quaresma and the À Corda Festival Orchestra.
Created in 2020, the À Corda Festival promotes the cello across genres from classical to jazz, Fado and ethnic music, while simultaneously highlighting Coimbra’s historical heritage.
More information: acordacellofestival.com