Stellenbosch-Vila nova de Famalicão

Since its origin, Vila Nova de Famalicão is a municipality closely connected to all styles and genres of music. From the first troubadours to the sacred music of the composer Manuel Faria, from the pianist Luis Magalhães to the ‘fado’ singers Patrícia Margarida, Pedro Mourão and Magina Pedro, from the rock groups of the new generation to the popular music, Famalicão is proud to have a roster of musicians of great quality. Famalicao is a nursery of artistic, cultural and educational projects within musical art, which is due not only to the work of the schools of music and local institutions, but also to the cultural policy of the Municipality and its aim to promote free artistic expression in a spacious environment.

It is within this scope that an extension of the South African Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival is hosted in Famalicão. The event, promoted by Famalicão Municipality in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, is artistically directed by internationally renowned pianist, Luis Magalhães, currently residing in South Africa.

The roster of artists is composed of some of the best international musicians of their generation. Master classes and informal chats with musicians and musicologists.

The quality of the artists and the diversity of events will affirm the success of Famalicão as an international venue on the classical music circuit.


The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival is the first and only festival of its kind in South Africa. It incorporates chamber music and orchestral playing/tuition within one festival. It actively promotes and develops a love of classical music, especially the increasingly widely appreciated genre of chamber music. The Festival, is now looking ahead to celebrate its seventh anniversary this year, and is putting Stellenbosch and South Africa on the music map as an event of outstanding musicianship and nurturing of young talent.

In Vila Nova de Famalicão, with its focus on music for strings and piano, serves as a showcase for young talent. The aim of the Festival is to create an environment of interaction between music students through participation in Master Classes as soloists or chamber ensembles. The participants will receive music coaching from top International and South African artists. There is a choice of three concerts where the final concert will include the performance of some of the string participants.

We are very pleased and honored to extend the Festival to international soil. We wish to thank Vila Nova de Famalicão for the hospitality and entrepreneurial spirit which we hope will extend into the future.