XXXIV International Music Meetings of Casa de Mateus 2026

Casa de Mateus, just outside Vila Real, hosts the XXXIV International Music Meetings from July 25 to August 1, 2026 — one of Europe's most respected international courses in Baroque music. More than 40 participants from nearly every continent gather for a week of intensive coaching in historically-informed performance practice under acclaimed early-music specialists.

The programme opens with solo recitals on July 26-27 exploring the evolution of the violin and keyboard instruments through the 18th century, followed by the 'Maestri Virtuosi' concert on July 30 featuring the visiting faculty, the 'Alumni Virtuosi' concert on July 31 showcasing chamber repertoire from returning participants, and closes with the 'Gran Finale' on August 1, when the artistic and pedagogical direction curates the finest chamber pieces developed during the week.

Set against the Baroque gardens and 18th-century façade of Casa de Mateus — one of northern Portugal's architectural icons — the concerts combine world-class training with cultural tourism, drawing music students and general audiences alike who want to hear Baroque repertoire performed at a very high level in one of the Douro region's most distinctive settings.