Sacred Sounds Fill Cádiz: Escolanía María Auxiliadora Kicks Off ‘Cuaresma para los Sentidos’ Concert Series
Cádiz, Spain – The historic Iglesia de San José will resonate with the voices of the Escolanía María Auxiliadora (EMA) this Friday, February 27, 2026, as they inaugurate the ‘Cuaresma para los Sentidos’ (Lent for the Senses) concert series. The performance, titled ‘Cantate Domino,’ promises an evening of carefully curated sacred repertoire designed to inspire reflection and connection. This event marks the beginning of a broader cultural program jointly organized by the Cádiz Municipal Delegation of Culture and the Fundación Cajasol Cádiz, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences throughout the Lenten season.
The ‘Cuaresma para los Sentidos’ initiative isn’t solely focused on musical performances. Beginning February 24th, the program similarly features two exhibitions: “Paso a Paso,” showcasing miniature floats and antique posters from Cádiz’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions, and “El sueño de un niño” (The Dream of a Child), an exhibition of works by local sculptor Luis González Rey. These exhibitions will be on display at the Centro Cultural Ancha 16 until April 5th, 2026, providing a visual complement to the auditory experience of the concert series. The full program schedule is available for review at https://institucional.cadiz.es/cuaresma-para-los-sentidos-2026_v2.pdf.
A Historic Venue for Sacred Music
The Iglesia de San José, the venue for the opening concert, is a significant architectural landmark in Cádiz. Completed in 1787, the neoclassical church was designed by architects Torcuato Cayón and Torcuato Benjumeda. According to the Ayuntamiento de Cádiz, the exterior of the church is characterized by Ionic pilasters and a triangular pediment, while the interior features a Latin cross plan with three naves. The church’s website details the marble statue of San José, which dates back to the church’s construction, prominently displayed in the entrance hall. The building was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1979, recognizing its historical and artistic importance. The church’s architectural style is described as Borrominesque, and its octagonal bell towers, supported by Ionic columns, add to its distinctive appearance.
The Repertoire: A Journey Through Spiritual Expression
The Escolanía María Auxiliadora’s ‘Cantate Domino’ program is a diverse collection of sacred and spiritual pieces, spanning various traditions and styles. The repertoire includes Walter Hawkins’ “I’m goin’ up a yonder,” Joseph M. Martin’s “A Prayer for Healing,” and David Hamilton’s “Ave María.” The program also features a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” with an arrangement by Johansen, alongside traditional Zulu music, “Ukuthula.” Further selections include works by John Rutter (“The Lord bless you and preserve you”), Kentaro Sato (“Ave María”), Greg Gilpin (“How can I keep from singing?”), Xabier Sarasola (“Pater Noster”), Eva Ramos (“O Magnum mysterium”), and Rupert Lang (“Cantate Domino”). The inclusion of Josephine Poelinitz’s arrangement of the Negro spiritual “City called heaven” demonstrates the choir’s commitment to showcasing a broad range of musical influences.
Escolanía María Auxiliadora: A Tradition of Musical Excellence
While detailed historical information about the Escolanía María Auxiliadora is limited in readily available English-language sources, the choir is clearly a respected ensemble within the Cádiz community. Their selection to open the ‘Cuaresma para los Sentidos’ series underscores their reputation for musical quality and their ability to connect with audiences through sacred music. The choir’s repertoire suggests a dedication to both traditional choral works and contemporary arrangements, appealing to a wide range of musical tastes. The concert is free to attend, but seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
‘Cuaresma para los Sentidos’: A Broader Cultural Offering
The ‘Cuaresma para los Sentidos’ program, beyond the concerts and exhibitions, aims to provide a multifaceted cultural experience for residents and visitors of Cádiz during Lent. The initiative reflects a commitment to preserving and promoting the city’s rich artistic heritage. The inclusion of both visual and auditory arts, alongside historical displays related to Semana Santa, demonstrates a holistic approach to cultural programming. The program’s organizers hope to engage the community in a period of reflection and appreciation for the arts.
The Iglesia de San José’s regular opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Mass is held regularly, with schedules varying between winter and summer months.
The concert on February 27th is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating. The event promises to be a moving and inspiring start to the ‘Cuaresma para los Sentidos’ program, offering a moment of artistic beauty and spiritual contemplation for the community of Cádiz.
The next scheduled event within the ‘Cuaresma para los Sentidos’ program is the continuation of the “Paso a Paso” and “El sueño de un niño” exhibitions at the Centro Cultural Ancha 16, running through April 5th, 2026. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit https://institucional.cadiz.es/cuaresma-para-los-sentidos-2026_v2.pdf.
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