Following four years of continuous growth and consolidated success, the Arcada Festival celebrates its 5th Edition in July and August 2026. This milestone reaffirms the festival as a benchmark event, designed to enhance the region’s artistic potential, provide elite training, and strengthen the bonds between specialized audiences and the general community.

The 2026 program is structured around three core pillars:

I. Performance Activities

• Solo Recitals: Intimate and virtuosic performances by world-renowned cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan and violinist Amandine Beyer.

• Grand Concerts: The Sinfonietta de Braga takes center stage for two exceptional programs:

  • A performance conducted by Maestro Jean-Marc Burfin, featuring violinist Ilya Gringolts.

  • A special concert where cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan takes on the dual role of soloist and conductor.

• Final Showcases: Open-access performances where masterclass participants share the results of their work with the city.

II. Specialized Training

The festival reinforces its pedagogical mission through advanced courses for intermediate and senior instrumentalists, led by Ilya Gringolts and Narek Hakhnazaryan. For the teaching community, an accredited training session will be held with the renowned pedagogue Claudio Forcada, promoting direct articulation with artistic schools and higher education.

III. Complementary Activities and Innovation

• EIMLA (International Meeting of Master Luthiers and Archetiers): A unique space for dialogue between professional musicians and artisans, promoting the art of string instrument and bow making.

• Round Table: A moment for critical discussion regarding the precarious nature of the cultural sector, featuring three industry professionals.

• Future Audiences: In co-production with the GariBambi collective, workshops for children (ages 0-10) will be held, introducing the younger generation to the world of strings through art and play.

II Edition of the “Prémio Arcada” National Violin Competition

As a unifying activity, the festival continues the National Violin Competition. Following a debut edition that exceeded expectations—attracting participants from the mainland and islands—this 2nd edition solidifies the competition as a reference for the emerging talent of the youth violin community.

By exploring synergies between public entities, educational institutions, and cultural agents, the 5th Edition of the Arcada Festival definitively positions Braga as a center of artistic excellence on the international map.