Classical music preserves and promotes the religious genre, along with the richness and diversity of its traditions. In this spirit, the 19th edition of the Canary Islands Religious Music Festival upholds and strengthens its original philosophy by offering a program focused on religious repertoire. A total of 21 concerts, spread across 20 municipalities of the archipelago, provide the public with an accessible and intimate artistic experience.
Our strong commitment to top-tier local, national, and international artists remains a key feature of the festival. The combination of artistic excellence and the richness of the repertoire transforms temples into settings of great beauty and significance, where tangible and intangible heritage intertwine through four musical programs.
This edition will open with a tribute to the Sicilian composer Alessandro Scarlatti, commemorating the 300th anniversary of his passing. During his tenure as Maestro di Cappella of the Royal Chapel of Naples, Scarlatti composed the Mottetti Sacri, pieces that will be performed by the Andalusian countertenor Bruno Campelo, alongside sonate da chiesa interpreted by the ensemble Al Ayre Español— all under the masterful direction of Eduardo López Banzo.
Another highlight of this edition is the world premiere of Statit gallus cantavit, a commissioned work by renowned Spanish composer Tomás Marco. Written for tenor, baritone, and chamber orchestra, it promises to be one of the festival’s most innovative offerings. Additionally, Giacomo Puccini’s Messa di Gloria (1880) will be presented, a piece celebrated for its lyricism, harmonic richness, and dramatic elements that foreshadow the Italian composer’s operatic style. This program will be conducted by Maestro Gregorio Gutiérrez, featuring the Ainur Chamber Choir, the festival’s orchestra, and internationally acclaimed soloists José de Eça (tenor) and Paul Edelmann (baritone).
For the third program, soprano Olalla Alemán and harpsichordist Luis Antonio González from Los Músicos de Su Alteza will present a monographic recital of J.S. Bach, dedicated to Spiritual Songs and Arias from the Lutheran and Pietist traditions.
The fourth program and festival finale will showcase a masterpiece from Spain’s Golden Age: Officium Defunctorum by Tomás Luis de Victoria. This work, a living testament to the spiritual and artistic depth of its time, will be brought to life by the prestigious international vocal ensemble I Fagiolini, under the direction of British maestro Robert Hollingworth, ensuring a memorable conclusion to the festival.
As in every edition, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the institutions that have supported us. Thanks to the Government of the Canary Islands, the Island Councils, municipalities, and other institutions whose backing makes it possible for the Canary Islands Religious Music Festival to remain a cultural and religious landmark in the archipelago.
A special acknowledgment goes to the Dioceses of Canarias and Nivariense, whose unwavering support and commitment have been fundamental to the continuity and success of this festival. Without their invaluable collaboration, this project would not be possible.
