European Music Center to expand in Mafra by the end of the year A new hub will occupy the south tower of the palace, in order to enable the “development of various activities”.

The Mafra National Palace

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Catherine Simoes

Mafra has a long-standing relationship with music, dating back to the beginning of the construction of the Palace. However, it will be consolidated with the installation of a new branch of the European Music Centre (CEM) in one of the towers of the national monument. According to the local authority, the extension will be open to the public by the end of the year.

Founded 23 years ago in France by baritone Jorge Chaminé, CEM “values ​​music as a fundamental factor in European identity”. Its headquarters are in Bougival, but it has partnerships in over 50 countries. In Portugal, the centre was already in Mafra, but has now been expanded to the south tower of the palace, to “host more activities” and bring life to the town.

The project aims to develop cultural activities linked to music, which will connect the municipality to international networks. The aim will also be to promote historical knowledge and strengthen the town’s connection to music. The CEM ends up being a natural extension of Mafra’s relationship with culture. The municipality will host the future installation of the National Museum of Music, as well as the Musical Sciences hub of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa and the National Sound Archive.

The CEM will have a program that will extend throughout the country, working in conjunction with partner cities. Three programs are already scheduled on the agenda: Via Scarlatti, Music and Oceans and Music and Ecology.