By the GoÓbidos Team●20 August 2015
SIPO: Óbidos International Piano Master Classes and Festival
Since 1996, pianists and students from around the world have met in Óbidos for 12 days of master classes and concerts open to the public.
In this article
About SIPO The master classes The piano festival Frequently asked questions
SIPO, the Óbidos International Piano Week, has taken place without interruption since August 1996. Every year it brings students, teachers and great musicians from all over the world to the village.
For 12 days, the piano takes over Óbidos: classes during the day in different venues, and concerts that attract an enthusiastic audience.
About SIPO
The aim is to deepen the musical knowledge of every participant through classes with great masters. The friendly atmosphere of the village is part of its success, and over the years the festival has reached new audiences of all ages across the region.
The master classes
SIPO’s teaching structure is unique in Portugal. A group of acclaimed international pianists, each with an assistant, form several teaching groups. Participants can join every course and work with more than one teacher, learning different methods.
Places are limited to about 40 participants, who work in rotation. Many are young Portuguese musicians, for whom SIPO is an important step in their careers.
At the end, participants receive a certificate. The Maria de Lurdes Avellar Award, given by the Avellar family of Óbidos, recognises outstanding students, and the Antena 2 radio award is a live-recorded concert in Lisbon.
The piano festival
During the courses, a festival of high-quality concerts takes place at the Casa da Música Municipal Auditorium. All the teachers, internationally acclaimed artists, perform, and some students are chosen to play too.
The programme spans several centuries of music, with a focus on Portuguese composers and performers. Participants have come from dozens of countries, from Germany, Brazil and Japan to the United States and Australia.
SIPO is one of several events Óbidos hosts throughout the year. See them all in Festivals in Óbidos.
Recommended guided tour
Between concerts, explore the village where SIPO happens with a local guide: churches, walls and the stories of Óbidos.
Frequently asked questions
When does SIPO take place?
Usually in summer, for about 12 days. It has been held every year since August 1996.
Can the public attend the classes?
Yes. The master classes are open to the public, as are the festival concerts.
Where are the concerts?
Mainly at the Casa da Música Municipal Auditorium, with classes also at Casa da Barbacã and the Church of the Misericórdia.
More about Óbidos
- Festivals in Óbidos
- Art and culture in Óbidos
- Óbidos Religious Heritage
- What to do in Óbidos
- Guided tours in Óbidos
- Explore Óbidos
This article was prepared by the GoÓbidos team, the local tourist guide to Óbidos. Please check dates, opening hours and prices with the organisers before your visit.