The 19th Cycle of Organ Music at San Ginés Church in Madrid began on March 24, 2026, with a performance by internationally acclaimed organist Mirjam Laetitia Haag. The series, a fixture of Madrid’s Holy Week cultural programming, offers a contemplative counterpoint to the city’s vibrant Easter processions, inviting audiences to experience the power and beauty of the organ within the historic walls of the San Ginés Basilica. This year’s cycle, organized by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid, promises a diverse program showcasing both established masters and contemporary composers.
Haag, who serves as an organist at the St. Wenzel Church in Naumburg, Germany, opened the cycle with a repertoire spanning several centuries. Her performance included works by Johann Sebastian Bach, César Franck, Rauno Remme, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Arvo Pärt, and Akira Nishimura, demonstrating the breadth and versatility of the instrument. The choice of composers reflects a deliberate effort to connect the historical significance of the organ with modern musical expression, offering a listening experience that is both reverent, and innovative.
A Tradition Rooted in Holy Week
The Cycle of Organ Music at San Ginés has turn into an integral part of Madrid’s cultural landscape during Semana Santa. According to Marta Rivera de la Cruz, the Delegate for Culture, Tourism and Sport for the city of Madrid, the series transforms San Ginés into “a privileged space” where organ music “dialogues with the tradition and spirituality of Madrileño Holy Week.” The church, with its rich history and architectural grandeur, provides a particularly resonant setting for the instrument, enhancing the emotional impact of the music. The Ayuntamiento de Madrid’s commitment to supporting events like this underscores the city’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and offering accessible artistic experiences to residents and visitors alike.
Upcoming Performances
The cycle continues on Friday, March 27th, with Saskia Roures, an organ professor at the Superior Conservatory of Music of Castile and León. Roures’ recital will feature compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, César Franck, Elfrida Andrée, and Michael Radulescu. The series will conclude on Tuesday, March 31st, with a performance by Pilar Cabrera, organist of the Valladolid Cathedral, who will perform pieces by Bach, Georg Friedrich Händel, and Joseph Jongen. Both performances are scheduled to start at 6:30 PM and are free to attend, subject to capacity.
The San Ginés cycle isn’t simply a concert series; it’s a deliberate effort to connect audiences with a rich artistic tradition. Organ music, often associated with sacred spaces, offers a unique opportunity for reflection and contemplation. The selection of pieces, spanning different eras and styles, aims to showcase the instrument’s versatility and enduring appeal. For those seeking a respite from the bustling city or a deeper engagement with Madrid’s cultural offerings, the Cycle of Organ Music at San Ginés provides a compelling and accessible experience.
Further information about the cycle and other Semana Santa events in Madrid can be found on the official esMADRID.com website.
The final performance of the XIX Cycle of Organ Music at San Ginés, featuring Pilar Cabrera, is scheduled for March 31st. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating, as admission is on a first-arrive, first-served basis. The Ayuntamiento de Madrid has not yet announced plans for the 2027 cycle, but information will be available on esMADRID.com as it becomes available.
What are your thoughts on the intersection of classical music and religious spaces? Share your perspective in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might appreciate this unique cultural event.
