Pyrenees Ancient Music Festival Opens 2026 with Barcelona Cathedral Concert, Debuts in Andorra

The 15th edition of the Pyrenees Ancient Music Festival (FeMAP) will open on July 3, 2026, at Santa Maria Cathedral in La Seu d'Urgell with the festival's own production *Petites joies de la catedral de Barcelona*. Soprano Marta Esteban will lead the ensemble, joined by violinists Marieta Gil and Ignacio Ramal, cellist Guillermo Turina, and harpsichordist Eva del Campo. The concert delves into music performed at Barcelona Cathedral between 1705 and 1713, when Archduke Charles of Austria set up his court there, elevating the city's musical scene with Italian influences from composers such as Francesc Valls, Josep Picanyol, and Fortunato Chelleri.

The festival will run through August 23 across 41 municipalities in the Pyrenees, including a debut in Andorra la Vella at the landmark Santa Coloma church. Known for its distinctive Lombard-style circular bell tower and 12th-century Romanesque wall paintings, the site embodies FeMAP's tradition of blending early music with spaces of historical and symbolic importance. This addition positions the capital as an emerging hub for high-quality cultural events, enhancing Andorra's appeal to local and visiting audiences.

Andorran participation expands further with retained venues in Sant Julià de Lòria and Encamp—featuring the established lakeside performance at Engolasters Lake and another in the parish—plus the new inclusion of Soriguera in Pallars Sobirà. Organisers continue their social outreach, delivering concerts to vulnerable groups at facilities including Taller Claror, Llar de Sant Josep, Fundació Sant Hospital in La Seu d'Urgell, and Sant Julià de Lòria parish. Protagonists this year include mezzosoprano Cristina and guitarist Bernardo Rambeaud, presenting pieces ranging from John Dowland to Manuel de Falla.

Around 50 concerts are planned in total, though the full programme is still to be announced.