On the morning of the second day, we set off to discover one of the emblems of Portuguese culture, with a visit to the magnificent collection of the National Azulejo Museum.
Welcome to Lisbon’s National Azulejo Museum, a hidden treasure nestled in the heart of the city. This unique museum offers an exclusive and immersive experience of the art of azulejos, the richly decorated earthenware tiles that are a true cultural landmark of Portugal. During your visit, you’ll be transported through centuries of history and tradition, discovering the evolution of this captivating art, from its Moorish origins to its most refined expression. The museum’s collection features an exquisite selection of rare pieces, from traditional motifs to contemporary works, offering a comprehensive perspective on the cultural and artistic significance of azulejos.
The day continues with a visit to the city’s dazzling architecture. Considered one of the finest examples of 17th-century Portuguese architecture, the Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira was built in 1640 by the first Marquis of Fronteira. Surrounded by magnificent Italian gardens, it is famous for its azulejo decorations, its gallery of paintings and its beautiful Battle Hall.
We’ll then head off for lunch in the Chiado district before starting the New Year festivities.
At 5pm, at the Church of São Roque:
CHOIR GULBENKIAN AT SÃO ROQUE
Choir from the Gulbenkian Orchestra
Inês Tavares Lopes: Musical Director
Program:
– F. Poulenc: “ Salve Regina” , “ Ave verum corpus”
– F. Martin: “ Mass for double choir “
– S. Barbus: “ Agnus Dei “
– M. Jesus: “ Magnificat in five vignettes “
Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is truly vibrant with emotion and intensity. The work has a strong link with American history, having been chosen to accompany great moments of national mourning such as the announcement of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, John F. Kennedy’s funeral or Albert Einstein’s funeral ceremony. Thirty years after the original composition, Barber adapted the piece into the choral version Agnus Dei. It is this choral version that will be performed at this traditional New Year’s Eve concert by the Gulbenkian Choir at the Church of São Roque, an imposing 16th-century Baroque church, alongside sacred works by Poulenc, Frank Martin and Miguel Jesus.
The evening will continue with a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner at your hotel, before departing for a surprise evening orchestrated by La Fugue. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable night of joy, music and conviviality, celebrating the arrival of the New Year in style. Overnight at your hotel.
