When & Where: On August, in different locations across the city.
The Donostiako Musika Hamabostaldia or Quincena Musical de San Sebastián is one of the most important classical music festivals in Spain and the oldest of its kind in the country. Established in 1939, it is held annually during August in the city of San Sebastián (Donostia), Gipuzkoa. The festival attracts internationally renowned orchestras, conductors, soloists, and ensembles, offering a diverse program that includes symphonic concerts, chamber music, opera, ballet, and contemporary compositions.
The main venue for the festival is the Kursaal Congress Centre, a modern auditorium known for its excellent acoustics. Other performances take place in Victoria Eugenia Theatre, San Telmo Museum, and the Basilica of Santa MarÃa, as well as in historical locations throughout Gipuzkoa, such as Sanctuary of Loyola and the Palace of Miramar.
Over the years, the Quincena Musical has hosted prestigious ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, as well as legendary conductors and musicians like Zubin Mehta, Daniel Barenboim, and Plácido Domingo.
In addition to the main symphonic concerts, the festival includes sections like Quincena Andante, which takes music to different locations across the Basque Country, and Quincena Infantil, dedicated to introducing classical music to children through interactive performances and workshops.
The event has become a cultural reference in the region, drawing both music enthusiasts and tourists, and significantly contributes to San Sebastián’s reputation as a city with a strong artistic tradition.
More information: https://www.quincenamusical.eus/
