The offer of free concerts in Madrid is accumulating, from Gloria Estefan’s performance for Hispanidad to Chloé Bird’s at the Museo Cerralbo. But there are also options for those who prefer classical music, and a great example of this is the International Organ Cycle at the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel. And yes, it’s free.
A series of concerts in which to listen to one of the best organs in Madrid under the hands of some of the best organists. A list that includes icons such as Montserrat Torrent, Pierluigi Mazzoni or, as we will be able to experience this Sunday, October 5: Braulio Caballero-Figueroa.
Program of the San Miguel International Organ Series
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reconstruction of its organ, the Pontifical Basilica of St. Michael has organized this series of five free concerts. The first two were in September with Daniel Martín Salvador and Montserrat Torrent, and the others will take place throughout October. These are the dates:
- October 5: Ars transcriptionis with Braulio Caballero-Figueroa.
- October 12: The great European organ literature with Pierluigi Mazzoni
- October 25: Year after year with Lucie Žáková
All concerts are free until full capacity is reached and begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Basilica, 4 Calle de San Justo.
Braulio Caballero-Figueroa, the organist who also sang for Pope Francisco
At the age of 12 he began his piano and organ studies. At 13 he was titular organist of the Church of Our Lady of Fatima in his hometown, Tlalnepantla de Baz (Mexico). And now, at the age of 27, Braulio Caballero-Figueroa is already one of the best Mexican organists of his generation.
But he is not “only” an organist: he is also a pianist, harpsichordist and orchestra and choir conductor. A broad musical training to which all kinds of experiences are added, as in 2014 when he was selected to be part of the choir of the Mass in Ecatepec during the visit of Pope Francis to Mexico.
The organ designed to be “the concert organ of Madrid”.
With a great sound quality, the organ we hear today in the church preserves the original case from 1746, becoming an artistic jewel that is already part of the essence of the basilica (and literally, because the organ is attached to the rest of the architecture of the building).
After its last reconstruction in 1975, it became one of the very few mechanical organs in Madrid at the time and fulfilled its goal of being a reference for concerts in the city. A title that was maintained until the arrival of the organ of the National Auditorium of Madrid.
Other concerts in the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel this year
Beyond the International Organ Cycle, the Pontifical Basilica of St. Michael has a wide program of musical events. From Candlelight concerts dedicated to Mozart, Bach or Vivaldi, to choral performances such as that of the Madrid Choral Society or the soprano Anna Mishchenko.