As it celebrates its 12th anniversary, VERÃO CLÁSSICO remains faithful to the principles that inspired its founding in 2015: artistic excellence, the meeting of different generations of musicians, and the conviction that music, in its universal vocation, represents one of the deepest forms of dialogue between people and cultures.
The concerts of this 12th edition take place at the Teatro Thalia, one of Lisbon's most emblematic cultural landmarks. Originally known as the Teatro das Laranjeiras, it was commissioned in 1820 by Joaquim Pedro Quintela, Count of Farrobo, becoming the first private opera house on the Iberian Peninsula. For decades, it welcomed some of the leading figures of the European operatic scene until it was destroyed by fire in 1862. Following an extensive architectural restoration, it reopened in 2012 and now welcomes VERÃO CLÁSSICO once again, reaffirming its role as a meeting place for heritage, artistic creation and cultural life.
As in previous years, the Academy's educational activities take place at the National Conservatory School of Music and Marquês de Pombal Secondary School.
From 22 July to 1 August, the Festival presents ten concerts bringing together some of today's most distinguished performers alongside an outstanding generation of young musicians. The programmes span different periods, aesthetics and musical traditions, revealing unexpected affinities, stimulating dialogues and fresh perspectives on some of the central works of the repertoire. Particular highlights include programmes devoted to Liszt and Brahms, Mozart and Shostakovich, and Chopin and Schumann, among many others.
The four MasterFest concerts showcase internationally renowned soloists, while the six TalentFest concerts introduce the young musicians selected for the 2026 Academy, many of whom have already received prizes at major national and international competitions.
Since its foundation, VERÃO CLÁSSICO has also established itself as an exceptional environment for artistic education, reflection and the transmission of musical traditions. Alongside the concerts, the Festival offers an intensive programme of masterclasses comprising hundreds of open lessons dedicated to technical and artistic development, led by some of today's most distinguished performers and teachers. This year, the invited professors hold regular appointments at internationally renowned conservatories and universities in Berlin, Vienna, Munich, Salzburg, Lucerne, Oslo, Madrid and Paris.
The Festival's international character is once again reflected in the geographical diversity of its participants. From the applications received, more than 150 young musicians from approximately 30 countries have been selected, representing a vibrant artistic community extending from Europe to Asia, and from North America to Oceania: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United States and Vietnam.
The 2026 edition also marks the VERÃO CLÁSSICO debut of two exceptional artists: Swiss violinist Esther Hoppe and French cellist Edgar Moreau.
We are equally delighted to welcome back a remarkable group of musicians whose continued presence over the years has helped shape both the artistic identity and the unique spirit of this project: clarinettist Pascal Moraguès; violinists Linus Roth, Eszter Haffner and Lena Neudauer; violist Lars Anders Tomter; cellist Giovanni Gnocchi; double bassist Alexandra Scott; soprano Anna Samuil; and pianist Eldar Nebolsin.
The gathering of these extraordinary artists and teachers reflects the identity that VERÃO CLÁSSICO has built over more than a decade: a place of excellence, artistic exchange and inspiration, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious and sought-after Festivals & Academies on the international scene, distinguished by the quality of its concerts, the artistic level of its participants, and the unique atmosphere of creativity, generosity and human connection that defines the project.
To everyone who has made this 12th edition possible—our professors, students, artists, organising team, institutional partners, patrons, sponsors and audiences—I extend my deepest gratitude.
May these days be, for us all, a celebration of music, knowledge, friendship and discovery.
Filipe Pinto-Ribeiro
Artistic Director
