Porto shines in America during a portuguese early music event

The artist has been in Porto several times in the past

© Frannie Herrick

Sean Maxwell, American organist and harpsichordist based in Austria, gave last Sunday a USA performance of early keyboard works from Portugal with a photo presentation of the city Porto.

The recital featured a colourful programme of lesser known works from the Renaissance and Baroque, including sonatas by Seixas and incidental music by Carreira. The history of the music, its composers and performance practise of the period were explained, and Maxwell highlighted the role of the Iberian peninsula and especially Portugal in music development.

Following the recital, Maxwell showed photos of important landmarks and exceptional examples of Portuguese architecture in Porto’s old city. The tiled houses, the beautiful bridges and romantic, waterfront scenery dazzled the audience and left them wanting more. There was no question left that Porto was “the best city.”

The event was funded graciously by the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, ArtsLink arts foundation, and families Hadley and Zuber. For further information on Maxwell, visit seanmaxwellmusic.com.

Remembering his organ concert at Igreja de São Bento da Vitória