Attracting singers from all over the world to the charming city of Tomar in Portugal, the ZêzereArts Festival offers a unique summer programme with a strong focus on choral learning and development and high quality performances.
It is so much more than a ‘turn up and sing’ event…
With a range of options to choose from, if you want to go home at the end of the week a better, more knowledgeable choral singer, having learnt different repertoire and techniques, and having developed your ensemble singing to a whole new level – all whilst in fantastic company and in stunning surroundings – then this is the programme for you!
“I had never participated in such an enriching experience”
And that’s not all…
Join directors Brian MacKay and Aoife Hiney, special guest conductor Vasco Negreiros, and the professional singers of ZAVE next summer and expect:
…to be immersed in an international classical music festival, to hear and perform high quality choral music and to connect with singers from many different backgrounds
…an innovatively curated music programme of interesting and challenging repertoire
…to perform with leading musicians in magnificent historic venues, including the breathtaking Convento de Cristo in Tomar
…a warm and supportive atmosphere in which to meet new singing friends and appreciative audiences
…to discover the rich culture and history of Tomar and the Medio-Tejo region in the heart of Portugal.
“The concert in the Convento de Cristo was magical”
Our performance venues feature UNESCO world heritage monuments and medieval buildings, such as the Convento de Cristo, Batalha Monastery, and the Santa Casa de Miséricordia Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Graça in Tomar.
“My friend was full of praise and encouraged me to go and I’m glad I did!”
Our FULL WEEK programmes begin with rehearsals on the afternoon of Saturday 19 July and end with the final concert on the evening of Saturday 26 July:
Festival Choir and Festival Chorus (19–26 July incl. 3 concerts) – two different programmes of stunning music, conducted by Aoife Hiney and Brian MacKay. Find out more:
Chamber Choir and Festival Chorus (19–26 July incl. 3 concerts) – an advanced programme directed by Vasco Negreiros and Brian MacKay. Audition required. Find out more:
Our COMPACT programme begins with rehearsals from 9am on Wednesday 23 July and concludes with the final concert on the evening of Saturday 26 July:
Festival Chorus (23–26 July incl. 2 concerts) – our largest choir will rehearse and perform one programme of music, directed by Brian MacKay. Find out more:
Professional Development
Singers based in Portugal who are starting out on a professional choral singing path with the aim of becoming a member of a top ensemble may be interested in our offer to sing with ZAVE and participate in the ZêzereArts Festival as ‘probationers’. Find out more…
Are you a choral director who is interested in bringing your choral ensemble to not only sing with the Festival Chorus but to also perform your own programme at the ZêzereArts Festival? Find out more about our Featured Choirs option…
“a highly enjoyable and fulfilling experience in a wonderful place”