Testimonials

I was completely dazzled. I'm used to attending performances in closed rooms, but listening to Mahler in this medieval setting and so well lit made you feel like you were in a film with an absolutely incredible soundtrack.

Mami Pereira
Writer

I feel privileged to have been at this concert, which brought together the poetic roots of Wagner's work with the architecture of the Monastery in a magical fusion! (...) I admire the scale of this Festival, a benchmark in Portugal.

António Chagas Rosa
Composer

What we saw here was a huge involvement between the artists and the people who attended this great concert. Volkswagen as a "Love Brand" is therefore linked to this Festival, which also has a sustainability project leveraged.

Marília Santos
General Manager of the SIVA Group Portugal

It was my first time here and I was really impressed. The space, the nave of the church completely full of an audience with enormous respect, which we rarely see, and with a very careful and very exciting programme.

Juan Ángel Vela del Campo
Music critic for El País and artistic director of the Terras Sem Sombra Festival

I would like to congratulate you on the excellence of the programme, its modernity and versatility. It was gratifying to open doors to the city and to all those who need these moments and this sharing with musicians of such quality.

António Machado Matos
Director of the Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Historic Hotel

Cistermúsica presents a diverse programme aimed at different audiences, inviting them to enjoy and contemplate Cistercian architecture and other heritage sites: this is its great merit.

Isabel Cordeiro
State Secretary of Culture

I'm used to listening to the Festival and this was the first time I'd performed here, with the opportunity to work with conductor João Paulo Santos. It was a very positive experience, giving voice to these composers.

Cecília Rodrigues
Soprano

It was a magnificent experience. We found an extremely dedicated audience and a privileged heritage context. This monastery welcomes music in a very special way. We hope to return.

Ignacio Ramal
Director of The Ministers of Pastime ensemble

Continue to hold the Festival, because it's very important not only for there to be summer festivals in various parts of the country, but also to have activity throughout the year so that the population can have access to high quality class.

Dinis Sousa
Conductor of Orchestra XXI

It was an honour to inaugurate this wonderful room with incredible acoustics [Library Room at the Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Historic Hotel], and I'd like to congratulate you, it's a fantastic festival and the organising team has been wonderful.

Cistermúsica is a festival to be reckoned with in this country and it's very important that it continues to be supported by various organisations so that this region can maintain a cultural event of such variety and quality.

Filipa Palhares
Conductor

As a regular spectator, this year has once again been extraordinary, not only because of the diversity of the programmes but, as always, because of the beautiful venues the programme-makers have chosen for each of the concerts.

Susana Santos
Communications Director at El Corte Inglés (Lisbon)

It's the 30th edition, so I must salute the persistence and resilience that this festival has had in Alcobaça. It's welcome that we're not in Lisbon and that we have international shows outside the country's capital.

Pedro Cegonho
Member of Parliament

Cistermúsica is an intangible asset because it brings the region's monuments and history to life. It's a unique music experience that attracts audiences to the Centre and West of Portugal. Here's to another 30 years of success!

Alexandre Marto Pereira
CEO United Hotels of Portugal