It is with great enjoyment that I share with you the exciting trajectory of the Recitals in Lourdes, which have become an essential part of musical life in Belo Horizonte. As an organist, I had the honor of idealizing this project that brought memorable moments of sacred music to the Basilica of Lourdes. From the very beginning, I believed in the transformative power of the music for organ and its potential to enrich the religious experiences of those attending the Basilica of Lourdes. In order to further elevate this experience, I had the opportunity to bring talented organist colleagues from Brazil, the United States and Europe to perform in these recitals, which allowed for a rich exchange of knowledge and musical styles. The coordination of the recitals in Lourdes had the essential support of Antonio Olimpio Nogueira, whose dedication and work were fundamental to the success of these musical events.
Each concert was carefully planned, and the selection of artists was made with the aim of providing the audience with unforgettable musical experiences. From the first concert, in August 2011, with the talented organist Anne Schneider, to the last, in December 2018, presenting the Christmas Festival with the Centennial Choir of Colégio Batista Mineiro, also managed by me, each performance was marked by musical excellence and emotional connection with the audience. The printed programs, prepared with care and attention to detail, provided valuable information about each concert and the artists involved, enriching the experience of the spectators.
Over the years, the Recitais em Lourdes have become a significant landmark in Belo Horizonte’s music scene. Organistic music has gained a special place in the Basilica of Lourdes, and the unique atmosphere of contemplation and spirituality that permeated each recital touched the hearts of all present. The combination of national and international talents, together with the commitment to musical excellence, was one of the outstanding features of these recitals, which left a valuable legacy for sacred music in the region.
Although the Lourdes Recital Series came to an end in 2018, the impact and memory of these musical events remain alive in our hearts. The sacred music and the dedication of all the artists involved continue to be a source of inspiration and appreciation, reaffirming the importance of music as a form of spiritual and cultural expression in our community. I thank everyone who made this unforgettable musical journey possible and hope that these memories will inspire us to continue to appreciate and value sacred music in our lives. May music continue to connect us and lift our hearts, whether within the walls of the Basilica of Lourdes or in any other space that allows its harmonious presence.
The concert in this Estado de Minas newspaper article was part of this series.
ORGAN
Recital in Lourdes
Today is concert day at the Basilica of Lourdes. Organist Handel Cecílio and the Orquestra Sinfônica da Polícia Militar de Minas Gerais (Minas Gerais Military Police Symphony Orchestra) perform at 4:45 p.m. as guests of the Recitals in Lourdes project, held on the second Sunday of each month.
Also a harpsichordist and pianist, Handel specialized in organs. He studied the use of this instrument in the Spanish Baroque, developed research on pipe organs in colonial Brazil and produced a dissertation on the valuable musical instrument belonging to the Carmo Church in Diamantina.
Currently, Handel is working on his thesis “The organ art of Benedictine monasteries in colonial and imperial Brazil: their organs, organists and organ builders” for his doctorate at the University of Campinas (Unicamp).
The basilica is located at Rua da Bahia, 1.596, Bairro de Lourdes. The recital has free admission.
ESTADO DE MINAS O DOMINGO, 9 DE UNHO DE 2013
CULTURE
