III HISTORY AND MUSIC CONGRESS
Virtuosity in Early Music
Morella
17 – 20, July 2026
The Cultural Foundation CdM announces the celebration of the III International Congress on History and Music, which will bring together experts, performers, and enthusiasts of early music in the walled city of Morella. Over the course of the congress, participants will explore its many dimensions—from the sonic recovery of its texts to the cultural imagination embedded in its poetry. This congress is an invitation to rediscover the medieval soundscape through an interdisciplinary and experiential lens.
All activities are free admission.
Schedule of Activities
FRIDAY, JULY 17
5:30 PM Town Hall Gothic Hall (Salón Gótico del Ayuntamiento)
Opening Ceremony and Round Table
Presented by: Bernabé Sangüesa (Mayoralty of Morella), Ruth Martínez (Department of Culture), and Carles Magraner (Director of Capella de Ministrers).
Round Table: “Early Music Today”
Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music is sparking a growing interest every day, both among lifelong music enthusiasts and emerging audiences. These discussions aim to reflect on this exciting trend from various perspectives. Participating in this edition are Montserrat Grañeras, expert Director of Artistic Education at the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training; Javier Estrella, long-time director of the veteran and attractive Aranjuez Early Music Festival; and Carlos Santos, a charismatic specialist in classical radio and journalism. The dialogue among the distinguished guests will be moderated—or more accurately, guided—by Juan Ángel Vela del Campo, a devoted follower of philosophy and culture. They will explore the reasons and paradoxes behind early music’s connection to modern times; the importance of a location like Morella for discussing the links between different spaces, regions, and countries; the passage of time and its cultural impact; the commitment to history, quality, and the significant discographic legacy of Capella de Ministrers and its exemplary team led by Carles Magraner; and, ultimately, whatever topics arise and capture the audience’s interest.
Moderator: Juan Ángel Vela del Campo
Participants: Montserrat Grañeras (Director of the Department of Artistic Education at the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports), Carlos Santos (journalist, presenter, and author), and Javier Estrella (Director of the Aranjuez Early Music Festival).
7:30 PM La Llotja
Dance Workshop: “Bureo”
Led by: Toni Aparisi
Learning traditional dances and active participation in the gathering.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
5:30 PM Town Hall Gothic Hall
Lecture: “Hildegard von Bingen’s Ordo Virtutum”
Presented by: Paloma Gutiérrez del Arroyo
SUNDAY, JULY 19
5:30 PM Town Hall Gothic Hall
Lecture: “Virtue, Art, and Skills of the Kapellmeisters: A Practical Approach”
Presented by: David Mesquita
MONDAY, JULY 20
10:00 AM Bullring Gates (Puerta de la plaza de toros)
Castle Tour
5:30 PM Town Hall Gothic Hall
Lecture: “James I: The King’s Memory” (Jaume I: la memòria del rei)
Presented by: Vicent Josep Escartí
10:30 PM Capella de Ministrers Concert
Program: Amors e Cansó
Congreso subvencionado por el Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Castellón
y por el Institut Valencià de Cultura
