The city of Tortosa is preparing to host the next edition of Proto-fest, scheduled from July 23 to August 2, 2026. The music event will maintain its commitment to artistic excellence, the revival of musical heritage, contemporary creation, and international projection, featuring a program that includes about fifteen concerts and diverse educational offerings.
The lineup will bring together prestigious performers and educators from various countries, presenting a musical journey spanning over five centuries of history, from the Renaissance to current compositions. Concerts will take place in several emblematic city venues, including the Reials Col·legis, the Absis square of the Cathedral, the Jardins del Príncep, the Claustre del Casal Tortosí, the Museu de Tortosa, the Col·legi Sant Josep, and the Capella del Convent de les Teresianes de Jesús.
Early music will play a significant role with performances such as 'Queste pungente spine,' focusing on early Italian Baroque; 'Le chat des muses,' reviving works by twelve European Baroque female composers; 'Abitz de doeul,' a exploration of Renaissance spiritual music; and 'El Temps Daurat,' a look at instrumental music from the Valencian and Aragonese courts between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The festival will also feature the operatic performance 'Il respiro del corpi assenti,' initiated by the Proto-fest Opera Studio, alongside notable chamber music presentations. Highlights include a concert by the renowned Canadian violist Rivka Golani leading the Eden Quintet, performing works by Mozart and Brahms, and a recital by pianist Inés Reguero with the Orquestra de Cambra de Tortosa, dedicated to Chopin. Additionally, a 'Liederabend' recital will feature musicians from the prestigious Lied chair at the University Mozarteum of Salzburg, including local musician Miquel Esquinas.
The festival's connection to the region will be showcased with Accent Ensemble presenting 'Absolc el temps,' inspired by the poetry of Zoraida Burgos and featuring music by Inés Reguero, alongside the world premiere of a piece by Ebre composer Joel Espanya. Tributes will also be paid to Narcisa Freixas, Manuel de Falla, and Rossend Aymí.
Among the more unique offerings is 'Veus de la memòria: Stabat Mater,' by Qvinta Essençia and Trio Orfeu, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War's beginning. The program will conclude with 'Misa Tango' by Martín Palmeri, a fusion of Catholic liturgy and Argentine tango, conducted by Francesc Valldecabres with bandoneonist Marcelo Mercadante. The festival will close with 'Orient.cat' by Quintet Montsant.
In parallel, Proto-fest will enhance its educational aspect with courses and masterclasses in various instruments and disciplines, led by faculty members such as Rivka Golani, Marcelo Mercadante, Jordi Domènech, Francesc Valldecabres, Mireia Andreu, Rubén Ametllé, and Anna Romaní.
Complementing the musical performances, activities will include a lecture titled 'The lesser-known Pau Casals' by musicologist Oriol Pérez Treviñi, and a musical route 'Pedrell, Canalda i Lamote de Grigon: three Wagnerians from Tortosa,' dedicated to prominent figures in Catalan musical heritage linked to the city.
Tickets for the paid concerts, priced at seven euros, are now available on the festival's official website, along with registrations for courses and masterclasses.
