Music for Eight Centuries
Musical Programme
Since its origins, Toledo Cathedral has been a sounding temple. Within its vaults echoed the polyphonies of medieval canons, the chants of the Renaissance, and the compositions of masters who transformed liturgy into art. For this reason, music will be one of the pillars of the Eighth Centenary.
The musical programme will unfold over the Jubilee Year like a grand symphony: from the Bell Concert that will make the skies of Toledo vibrate, to the major productions of the Teatro Real, which will bring works such as Mozart’s Requiem, Verdi’s Requiem, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony back to the Cathedral.
During Lent, the Misereres and the Officium Defunctorum preserved in the Cathedral archives will be performed, alongside the presentation of the reconstructed Lyra Coeli, a 17th-century instrument connected to Toledo’s musical tradition.
The Organ Battles will reach a new dimension with the restoration of the realejo organs and the choir carillons, true treasures of the Cathedral’s historical and musical heritage. Looking to the future, the Youth Orchestra of the Cathedral will be born—a school for young performers, destined to keep alive the musical tradition of this temple, which has been, and will continue to be, the great stage of the soul.
Toledo Bell Tournament «8th Centenary»
On the afternoon of 24 January, the Seises of Toledo Cathedral will be the bell ringers in this spectacular Bell Tournament.
Ensamble Cisneros and the Seises of Toledo Cathedral
On 7 February, the artistic group Ensamble Cisneros and the Seises of the Cathedral will offer a concert devoted to the music of Cardinal Cisneros, entitled:
“Sonorities of Toledo Cathedral on the Threshold of the Renaissance (1495–1517)”.
Ensamble Alfonsí
Concert sponsored by the Royal Foundation of Toledo, to be held on 21 February, dedicated to “The Miracles of Saint Mary in Toledo Cathedral”.
New York Choir of Music Viva
The Royal Foundation of Toledo presents this concert on 14 March, performed by this American choir. The programme is entitled:
“The Way: Music by Talbot, Paulus, Ēriks Ešenvalds and Victoria”.
Grupo Nereydas
We will recover the “Lyra Coeli”, an instrument currently housed in the Museum of Musical Instruments in Brussels, which was sold by the Cathedral in the 19th century.
A replica of this instrument, which will become part of the heritage of Toledo Cathedral, will allow us to rediscover compositions preserved in the Cathedral archive.
With Grupo Nereydas and its director Javier Ulises Illán, we will enjoy Toledo’s Holy Week music.
Organ Battles
On 9, 11 and 25 April, we will enjoy a new edition of the Organ Battles. On this occasion, and on the afternoon of 9 April, this emblematic concert of the Cathedral will be offered to the annual meeting of the Confederation of Cathedral and Collegiate Chapters of Spain, held in Toledo Cathedral during Easter Week.
La Violondrina
On Saturday, 18 April, in the setting of the Main Sacristy of Toledo Cathedral, and before The Disrobing of Christ (El Expolio), this singular concert will take place, directed by Ms. María Saturno, entitled: “Music in the Time of El Greco”.
Organ Battles
It is already a tradition to enjoy another edition of the Organ Battles during the month of November. On this occasion, the concerts will take place on 10 and 17 October.
Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro Real
On 14 November, beneath the impressive Emperor’s Organ, the Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro Real will perform Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 and Cherubini’s Requiem.
Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro Real
On 14 November, beneath the impressive Emperor’s Organ, the Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro Real will perform Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 and Cherubini’s Requiem.