An open-air concert by the Orquestra Clássica do Centro, led by conductor José Eduardo Gomes with several returning soloists, marks the beginning of ten days of activities in the village of Bendada, known as the “Village of Music,” on Friday at 21:30.
“We will welcome international and Portuguese artists alongside 45 young musicians participating in an intensive masterclass program. Over a hundred musicians, playing various instruments, will perform the concerts,” says Inês Andrade, the festival’s founder and artistic director.
With family roots in Bendada, the pianist attributes the festival’s longevity in this small village in the district of Guarda to its reputation as a community where “everyone loves music” and because the residents are “very welcoming” to artists and young musicians.
“We also have support from the council, the municipality of Sabugal, and other local and international entities. This festival is possible thanks to the community, which works together with great persistence to ensure its annual continuation,” she commends.
Inês Andrade notes the increasing number of tourists, audiences, and artists in Bendada during the festival, which has significantly benefited the local economy, particularly in dining and hospitality sectors.
Throughout the years, the festival has also contributed to the emergence of new musicians.
“Some musicians from the village, who started here in the early editions, have become professionals and are now teaching at the festival,” the artistic director points out.
The scheduled concerts will take place in various venues, not only in Bendada but also in Sabugal, the district seat, the Historical Village of Sortelha, and Quinta dos Termos, a winery in the municipality of Belmonte, in the district of Castelo Branco.
On July 28 and 29, the “Young Talents” cycle will occur at Bendada’s Casa da Música auditorium, featuring selected students from Artist Academy 2025, culminating with a concert at Largo da Igreja.
On July 30 at 21:30, the festival moves to Sortelha, where cellist Levon Mouradian will perform alongside selected students and teachers at the ruins of Igreja da Misericórdia.
The following day, American pianist Jeffrey Swan, returning for the third time, will give a concert at the Casa da Música.
On August 1 at 21:30, a symphony concert will be held at Sabugal castle, marking the final round of the soloist competition with the festival orchestra, directed by Henrique Constância.
On August 2, a moonlit music marathon is scheduled, featuring solo performances and opera excerpts by Artist Academy students.
The Bendada International Music Festival’s closing concert is set for 16:00 on August 3.
