Throughout August, the 85th Quincena Musical of San Sebastián reaffirms its commitment to live music and dance for the people in the city's main concert halls, cultural spaces, and beyond, including venues in Gipuzkoa, Araba, Navarra, and Lapurdi. The Quincena makes August the perfect time to experience live culture, offering a diverse range of events from classical to innovative, where local and international artists collaborate with audiences to create memorable classical music moments. With over 70 events in 30 days, the Quincena’s extensive catalogue means there’s something for everyone.
- Conductor Riccardo Chailly, leading the Milan Scala Orchestra, highlights the lineup at the Kursaal Auditorium, featuring esteemed musicians performing works from a renowned repertoire.
- In the choral symphonic section, notable performances include Shostakovich's rare "The Execution of Stepan Razin," presented at Quincena for the first time, alongside Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis" and Mozart's "Requiem."
- Bizet's opera "Carmen," in a new production supported by Quincena, set during the post-war period, will be presented in two performances.
- Attendees will experience dance from the French Compagnie Käfig, showcasing "Folia," a daring blend of ancient music, classical dance, and street rhythms.
- Making their festival debut this year are pianists Bruce Liu and Alexandra Dovgan, violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, cellist Sol Gabetta, and conductors Mikko Franck and Jérémie Rhorer.
- The Victoria Eugenia Theater will host four events: the Úrsula López Flamenco Company's "Comedia sin título" exploring the essence of Lorca; a piano recital by the young Alexandra Dogvan; the "Odyssey of Krystof Harant" concert, a musical journey from West to East through medieval sounds, narrated by Ramón Barea; and "Egia ala geRuza," a family-friendly performance.
- Friends of the Quincena have until April 8th to reserve season tickets and tickets, and fans wishing to enjoy the benefits of membership can sign up on the Quincena website or at the festival's offices.
Alongside the 85th Musical Quincena of San Sebastián, there will also be Early Music and Chamber Music at the San Telmo Museum; and Organ, Contemporary Music, Young Performers, Quincena Andante, Inaugural Day, Children's Quincena and Tabakalera Dantzan. These cycles will include tributes to Eduardo Chillida and Néstor Basterretxea, two Gipuzkoan artists whose centenary is to be commemorated in 2024.
The full schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets and season passes
Advanced tickets for Friends of the Quincena (both subscriptions and individual tickets) are now available. In addition to the established advantages and discounts from last year, introducing a new friend exempts the introducing Friend from paying next year's membership fee.
Anyone interested can register as a Friend of the Quincena on the website or at the festival offices to enjoy benefits such as season passes, advanced tickets, and discounts.
General sales will commence on May 21st.
