ZêzereArts Festival Choir Programme 2023

Convento de Cristo, Tomar
Mosteiro da Batalha
Santa Casa da Misericórdia Tomar July 20th
Audience at Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Tomar
Convento de Cristo
Charpentier Te Deum 2022

We are delighted to announce  our Choral Programme for 2023, following a triumphant return in 2022 to the live choral singing that is so integral to the ZêzereArts Festival, and our spectacular final concert at the Convento de Cristo, including the Charpentier Te Deum with soloists from Záve and the French Baroque ensemble Pulcinella.

“The concert in the Convento de Cristo was magical”

Running from 15th to 23rd July, the ZêzereArts Festival 2023 will see all choral participants performing together in two end of week concerts, and it will also be a very special year as we are offering three levels of participation, with additional concerts and optional extra workshop events, allowing you to choose the balance of activity and leisure time that best suits you.

“I had never participated in such an enriching experience”

ZêzereArts Festival Choir – Full Programme

Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd July 2023
The full Festival Choir experience includes two exciting programmes and performances in three of the most beautiful and atmospheric venues Portugal has to offer: the Mosteiro da Batalha, Santa Casa da Misericórdia and the Convento de Cristo in Tomar. Throughout the week the choir will be conducted by Pedro Correia and Brian MacKay coached by members of Záve, our resident professional vocal ensemble, who will also join them in the concerts. Find out more:

ZêzereArts Enhanced Choral Programme

Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd July 2023
Combining a professional-level programme with the Festival Chorus experience, selected singers will join members of Záve to form the ZêzereArts Choral Ensemble, preparing and performing a specially selected programme directed by our guest conductor, Vasco Negreiros, before joining the Festival Choir for the two end of week concerts. Places are limited and all participants will be required to pass an audition. Find out more:

ZêzereArts Festival Choir – Compact Programme

Tuesday 18th to Sunday 23rd July 2023
Ideal for those who have less time available or who would like to spend more time enjoying the festival atmosphere and seeing the sights, participants of our shorter programme will join the Festival Choir for their end of week concerts in two stunning venues, the Mosteiro da Batalha and the Convento de Cristo, along with Záve and the other choral groups attending the festival. Find out more:

Featured Choirs

ZêzereArts offers the opportunity for quality choral groups to participate as a Featured Choir including performing their own programme at the Festival and joining the Festivla Choir for the two end of week concerts. Find out more [link]

“My friend was full of praise and encouraged me to go and I’m glad I did!”

The ZêzereArts Choral Programme attracts experienced choral singers from all over the world who wish to combine their love of singing and performing with a holiday in the sunshine, meeting like-minded people, developing their vocal technique and enjoying the wealth of cultural experiences to be discovered in this region.

Typically based in and around the historic city of Tomar, the programme involves daily rehearsals culminating in public performances alongside all our choral groups and collaborating with the festival’s professional musicians and student instrumentalists.

“a highly enjoyable and fulfilling experience in a wonderful place”

Our performance venues feature UNESCO world heritage monuments and medieval buildings, such as the Convento de Cristo, Batalha Monastery, Dornes and the Santa Casa de Miséricordia Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Graça in Tomar.

During their stay, participants enjoy access to free Festival performances and plenty of downtime in which to explore the local sights and culture, and soak up the atmosphere.