Empowering
the next generation
of concert artists
a festival for rising stars
BENDADA International MUSIC FESTIVAL
XI annual
Applications for the Music Institute programs are open!
Ages: 8–13 years old (beginner and intermediate students)
Dates: April 6–10, 2026
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Ages: 14+ years old (high-school and university students)
Dates: July 24–August 2, 2026
Application Deadline: May 25, 2026
2026 FESTIVAL
The Bendada International Music Festival (Bendada, Portugal) is an international music festival that empowers young artists to fulfill their musical talent. At its core, the Bendada International Music Festival (BIMF) is a community where young musicians can learn from sought-after pedagogues and artists, collaborate and meet people from all over the world driven by the same goals, and showcase their artistry on stage in professional concerts. In the 2026 annual season, BIMF will offer Spring and Summer music academies (for musicians ages 8-13 and 14 and up, respectively) with lessons, masterclasses, and workshops for students from all over the world, a year-round concert series with high-caliber professional musicians and festival alumni, and a concerto competition.
Upcoming Concerts and Events
Stories in Sound:
A Festival Promenade
July 24 at 9:30 pm
Festival Outdoor Concert Stage
Bendada, Portugal
The 2026 BIMF Summer Season opens with a festive orchestral evening dedicated to music that tells a story. Featuring the Orquestra Clássica do Centro and soloists Daniel Kurganov, violin, Inês Andrade, piano, and Edoardo Carpenedo, piano, this promenade concert brings together narrative, imagination, and virtuosity — from Chausson’s evocative Poème to Saint-Saëns’ beloved Carnival of the Animals, presented with narrator.
Musical Postcards
from the Castle
July 25 at 9:00 pm
Castle of Alfaiates
Alfaiates, Portugal
Set against the timeless atmosphere of Alfaiates Castle, this chamber music program unfolds as a journey through four musical postcards: Classical elegance, Romantic expression, Impressionist color, and Jazz-Contemporary energy. Featuring Daniel Kurganov and Hélder Soares, violin; Teresa Macedo Ferreira, viola; Gonçalo Pires, cello; Inês Andrade, Edoardo Carpenedo, and Pedro Nunes, piano; and Bruna Pereira, soprano.
Musical Postcards
in the Vineyards
July 26 at 9:00 pm
Quinta dos Termos
Carvalhal Formoso, Portugal
In the beautiful setting of Quinta dos Termos, this chamber music concert will also include a wine tasting, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy some of the region’s most delicious wines alongside an evening of music. Featuring Daniel Kurganov and Hélder Soares, violin; Teresa Macedo Ferreira, viola; Gonçalo Pires, cello; Inês Andrade, Edoardo Carpenedo, and Pedro Nunes, piano; and Bruna Pereira, soprano.
Support the Festival
Support the Festival on its mission to:
boost rising musicians’ careers by providing them with an affordable, world-class education and stand-out performance opportunities
revitalize the interior of Portugal using music, arts, and education as a medium to bring culture, local pride, and economic growth back into the Portuguese Beiras region
We invite you to explore the opportunities to get involved in the festival, make tax-deductible donations or corporate sponsorships, and volunteer.
