‘Sounds of the Cellar’ are a set of concerts associated to Madeira Wine tasting events.
Recently, local Madeira Wine producers and promoters have certainly been on the quest to innovate. The idea they wish to convey is that this centenary product is not to be kept at home as a collectable, but to be enjoyed on a regular basis. The other underlying message to get across is that it is a modern product.
There has been no shortage or lack of gastronomic events or new ways of tasting Madeira Wine, be it with ice or with chocolates or fruits.
Another innovative association would be that of Madeira Wine to music. The initiative is called ‘Sounds of the Cellar’ and it consists of a set of concerts, held at the Madeira Wine Institute, during which one can enjoy a commented Madeira Wine tasting session.
The music is left in charge of the Mandolin Orchestra of the Regional Directorate of Education, led by Norberto da Cruz, known for its extensive experience and directed by an internationally recognized maestro.
The music is left in charge of the Mandolin Orchestra of the Regional Directorate of Education, led by Norberto da Cruz, known for its extensive experience and directed by an internationally recognized maestro.
According to the organizers, these concerts aim to provide quality filled musical moments surrounded by the aromas and flavours of the Madeira Wine. This initiative is part of a strategy which associates, whenever possible, wine to cultural moments.
According to those in charge, the Madeira Wine itself is vehicle for the dissemination of the Madeiran culture. The reaction has been positive and the audience has been pleasantly surprised with the music and extra knowledge on the wine.
These concerts began in 2012. They consist of a tasting session of the chosen wine, granted by one of the producers and commented on by one the members of the Tasting Chamber.
The Cellar, where the concerts are held, is associated to the Madeira Wine tradition. It is where the Madeira Honours (toasts with Madeira Wine to mark special occasions) are held and also where the enthronements of the new confreres for the Madeira Wine Brotherhood are carried out.
Besides the music, the concerts are an ideal opportunity to get to know the small palace and headquarters of the Madeira Wine Institute. The building belonged to Henry Veitch, an influential and excentric English consul in Madeira, during the first half of the nineteenth century. The consul had many interests, namely architecture, to the extent of having designed the small palace, which explains the reason behind the unusual design of the building when compared to others in the city.
The next concert will be held on March 21st. The wine up for tasting will be the Finest Full Rich by Henriques&Henriques. The following concert will be on July 18th with Justino’s 10 year old Malmsey commented tasting session. In October, a third concert will take place on the 10th including a commented tasting on J.Faria e Filhos Lda half sweet wine.
Concerts are free of charge and start at 9p.m.
