Music events on the Camino?

[JustJack]

Are there currently (or more specifically during the busier seasons) any regularly scheduled musical experiences along the CF that are open to pilgrims? Things like regularly scheduled choir practices in cathedrals, regularly scheduled gregorian monks chanting, regularly scheduled pipe organ practices, etc.

I'd be willing to alter my schedule if I knew something like this was reliably available on a specific day. I remember a couple years ago I just missed a concert with a flutist in the cathedral at O Cebreiro and was disappointed. And I recently listened to an old podcast where they were discussing classical musicians from various countries performing in different cathedrals along the CF.

I understand most of these opportunities are random and you just have to be in the right place at the right time. But if anyone knows of any regularly scheduled musical experiences - particularly if they are happening in cathedrals - please advise.

 

[Bradypus]

There is a regular series of guitar recitals in Carrion de los Condes most summers. Linked to a workshop programme for guitarists there. Worth keeping an eye open if you are passing through.

 

[JustJack]

There is a regular series of guitar recitals in Carrion de los Condes most summers. Linked to a workshop programme for guitarists there. Worth keeping an eye open if you are passing through.

Thanks for this, and I think this was mentioned on the podcast I listened to If anyone has more details that would assist with planning - such as confirming it is happening in 2025, and which days/times and which cathedral, that would be fantastic.

 

[AndrewP]

On my first Camino (Francis) April 2024 I aimed to take rest days on Sundays.
Partly to live like a local. This included the aim to attend church services.
I did enquire for the time of church services.
I deliberately chose smaller places
I discovered much music and community singing
Choirs
Organs
Guitar
Singing was both accompanied and achapela

These places ended up being,
Puente La Reina
(Recorded Gloria)
Belorado,
Carrion Des Los Condes,
Organ rehearsal for more than a hour on the Saturday (recorded excerpts). Ended up being taken to sit next to the organist in the choir loft as he played and spoke to him briefly to thank him
I recorded some excerpts of the Nuns singing
Astorga (ended up not attending)
and Triacastela
(Recorded Holy holy holy)
And Santiago
(Recorded I will walk with him and a number of extracts of plain chant)

Andrew Phillips

 

[Maurice Frank]

In mid October 2023 I stayed in Rabinal (delightful town) and went to the evening mass where Gregorian Chants were performed. Sublime. I do not know if it is every night, but it is a lead you can follow.

 

[J Willhaus]

Do you play? Often guitars in the albergues where we volunteer are played by pilgrims.

 

[JustJack]

Do you play? Often guitars in the albergues where we volunteer are played by pilgrims.

Unfortunately no... and I should have been more specific in my post that I'm looking for musical experiences in cathedrals in particular, as that's something that I just can't experience at home. The idea of listening to Gregorian chanting or similar in a medieval cathedral is absolutely mind-blowing to me.

 

[J Willhaus]

As part of the Mass at Virgin del Camino the monks/priests sing. Unexpected as we arrived and stepped in just as the Mass was starting. It is the super modern church as you pass through. Also attended Mass and Vespers at Carrion de los Condes with the nuns from Santa Maria. Very nice.

Also attended Mass at Monasterio de Leyre on the northern route of the Aragones. We did take a cab there as we were on the Southern variant.

 

[Annetom]

Thanks for this, and I think this was mentioned on the podcast I listened to If anyone has more details that would assist with planning - such as confirming it is happening in 2025, and which days/times and which cathedral, that would be fantastic.

 

[Annetom]

Maybe Ivar is the person to ask..

 

[Mamarich]

In mid October 2023 I stayed in Rabinal (delightful town) and went to the evening mass where Gregorian Chants were performed. Sublime. I do not know if it is every night, but it is a lead you can follow.

I was also in Rabinal for the Gregorian Chants @ mass. There is a still active but small 4th C Benedictine Monastery where you can attend mass with the Gregorian Chants. It was an amazing experience.

 

[Tincatinker]

Thanks for this, and I think this was mentioned on the podcast I listened to If anyone has more details that would assist with planning - such as confirming it is happening in 2025, and which days/times and which cathedral, that would be fantastic.

No Cathedrals. It occurs in, among other places, at the Ermita de la Piedad, Carrión de los Condes. Dates will no doubt be published at some point if you can find the right farcebook page.

But, if it’s that great big cathedral filling 128 pipe organ blast you’re after just get there at least an hour before Mass when the Organist is warming up the pipes

 

[Bradypus]

There is a still active but small 4th C Benedictine Monastery where you can attend mass with the Gregorian Chants.

I think the Rabanal church dates from the 12th century. I doubt that you will find a 4th century monastic foundation anywhere in Spain. Certainly not a Benedictine one.

 

[J Willhaus]

I think that monasteries in Spain were disbanded by law in the 1800's so orders there now have moved back after that suppression time period.