- Dates and venues: Estella (6-13), Logroño (6-12) and Álava (12-21) September.
- Programs and artists: Al Ayre Español, Forma Antiqva, Cantoría, Tamar Lalo, Euskal Barrokensemble and more.
- Social and youth initiatives: #GeneraciónSMADE, participatory concerts, and inclusive activities.
- Tickets: Season tickets and passes in Estella; in Álava, most concerts are free by invitation.
September comes loaded with historical music with three events that mark the calendar: the Early Music Week of Estella, that of Logroño and that of Álava. Between the 6 and the September 21These programs will feature concerts, workshops, and activities in temples, plazas, and cultural centers, featuring renowned artists and offerings for all audiences.
Beyond the repertoire, these Weeks share a vision that combines heritage, inclusion and emerging talentIn the following lines we review the essentials of each venue - dates, artists, spaces and practical details - so you can organize your agenda and not miss anything, including the tickets, passes and free options.
Estella-Lizarra: a journey between past and present
The Estella Early Music Week (SMADE) is celebrated September 6st – 13th under the motto "Travesías", with eighteen shows that connect the historical repertoire with current perspectives. Promoted by the General Directorate of Culture - Príncipe de Viana Institution and the Baluarte Foundation, in collaboration with the Estella-Lizarra City Council, this edition commemorates the 600th anniversary of the death of Charles III the Noble and includes the participatory workshop-concert "Estella sings" open to the public.
The activity will begin with SMADE at street level and the ringing of the bell ringers from Pamplona Cathedral, as well as a Renaissance walk by the Ensemble La Danserye. The main concerts are spread across several venues and dates:
- Church of San Miguel: September 6, 8, 10 and 12.
- Convent of Santa Clara: September 7, 9, 11 and 13.
- Church of Lorca: 7 September.
- Church of Abárzuza: 13 September.
The lineup brings together internationally renowned names and unique projects: Al Ayre Spanish (6, Saint Michael); Isabel Villanueva (7, Lorca); Ensemble Phoenix Munich (7, Santa Clara); "Estella sings" and the duet The Trouveurs (8, Saint Michael); Euskal Barokensemble with his Zubinea project (9, Santa Clara); Sarah Agueda y Pepe Viyuela with “The Miracles of Our Lady” (10, San Miguel); Revocal Ensemble Kosovo (12, San Miguel); Sara Águeda and Melania Olcina (13, Abárzuza); and Marco Beasley and Franco Pavan (13, Santa Clara), which closes the edition with a manuscript recently studied by both.
This year, the figure of Artist in Residence It is consolidated with the harpist Sara Águeda, who in addition to her two concerts participates in actions of mediation and social sphere of the festival.
The commitment to the environment is reinforced with "SMADE at street level», which extends to Lorca (7 of September) and Abárzuza (September 13) and includes the Emakumeen Memoria Route, a tour of the footprints of the women's jobs in the area. In parallel, "SMADE Social» will bring music to the Santo Domingo residence (September 10) and to ANFAS Estella (September 12); these activities are reserved for users of the collaborating entities.
Platform #SMADEGeneration maintains its commitment to young people with samples 8 and September 9 at the Fray Diego Cultural Center (free admission until full capacity) and a final concert on September 11 in Santa Clara, where the public will award the #ApplauseSMADE which ensures presence in the 2026 edition.
Tickets for Estella can be purchased on the SMADE and Baluarte Foundation websites, at Baluarte ticket offices, at the La Morea Shopping Center and at each location starting one hour before. allowance for San Miguel and Santa Clara it costs €90 (€45 with youth card) and the individual tickets €14 (€7 with youth card). The #GeneraciónSMADE samples and outdoor sessions are free. Free access.
Logroño launches its Early Music Week
The Early Music Week of Logroño is celebrated from September 6 to 12 with a bet on heritage spaces and various formats. The concerts of the Riojaforum require admission, while performances in the Rioja Culture Center (CCR) and in the Church of Santa Maria de Palacio will be free, with the aim of bringing ancient music to new audiences in emblematic enclaves of the Casco antiguo.
The opening weekend includes two highlights: "Concert for one body» On Saturday the 6th at 20:00 pm at the CCR, a scenic dialogue between violin and dance, and «The tenth Alfonso» Sunday 7th at 20:00 pm in Santa María de Palacio, with Songs of Santa Maria in homage to Alfonso X. Both concerts are free until full capacity.
El September 9, the flute player Tamar Lalo presents its new ensemble, Echo and Sweet, within the festival. He is accompanied by Daniel Oyarzabal (clue), Ishmael Bellman (violon) and Nacho Laguna (theorbo) in a program about his album «The Celebrated Sammartini», focused on flute sonatas.
The repertoire recovers the figure of Giuseppe Sammartini, a Milanese composer who shone in London in the 18th century, linked to the operas of Handel. In addition to its famous flute concerto, his sonatas dialogue with the spirit of the London scene that he shared with authors such as john eccles.
Álava expands venues and formats
La Early Music Week of Álava celebrates its 43rd edition September 12 to 21 with a program that adds new enclaves to the territory: okina, Antezana de Foronda y Quintanilla de la Ribera Baja, as well as spaces in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The poster includes ancient form (Zapico brothers), singing, Jone Martínez and Il Fervore and the duo Tamar Lalo & Ignacio Prego, among others.
The inauguration proposes a outdoor concert in the Province Square, with active participation of the public thanks to a baroque dance proposal Directed by Eva Narejos along with Armonía Danza and Ministriles de Reyna. The festival will bring early music throughout September to churches, palaces and squares of the territory.
This edition incorporates innovative formats such as live recording from the podcast "El Vomitorio," hosted by Mario Marzo and countertenor Nacho Castellanos. With an inclusive perspective, the project strengthens ties with diverse groups, including the Apdema association.
The educational aspect is reinforced with the collaboration of the Jesus Guridi Conservatory, whose students will participate in activities and a special concert at the Santa María Cathedral, consolidating new opportunities for young performers.
In practice, most concerts have free invitation available on the festival website. The only paid recital will be the Saturday September 20 in the Cathedral of Santa María, With the presence of ancient form.
With programs that combine rigor and closeness, these three Weeks of Early Music articulate a journey that covers Renaissance and Baroque to intersections with contemporary languages, activating heritage and encouraging citizen participation. It's a good idea to check schedules and make a reservation. tickets or invitations in advance and take advantage of the free and educational activities that complement each appointment.
