A Night with Nicolau Medina Ribas: Rare Portuguese Musical Masterworks to Be Revived at Panaji, Margao Performances

~ Communicare Trust presents two special performances featuring violinist Eliseu Silva and pianist Olga Amaro.

Goa Khabar: Goa’s music lovers will soon have the opportunity to encounter the rediscovered works of Nicolau Medina Ribas, an early 20th-century Portuguese composer, in Panaji later this month, as Communicare Trust presents two performances that bring this rare repertoire to audiences in distinct historic settings.

The concerts, organised by the Dona Paula-based Communicare Trust, will be led by Eliseu Silva, a Portuguese concert violinist, and Olga Amaro, an acclaimed Portuguese concert pianist, a distinguished duo who have performed extensively across Europe.

At the heart of the programme is the extraordinary story of Nicolau Medina Ribas, whose musical manuscripts came close to being lost forever. Preserved against the odds after being nearly destroyed at his estate in Porto, these compositions represent a rare and intimate glimpse into Ribas’ creative world. Through these twin performances, Silva and Amaro will bring these rescued scores to life, restoring their voice in a contemporary performance setting. Known for their sensitive interpretation of classical repertoire for violin and piano, Silva and Amaro have also played a vital role in promoting Portuguese composers on international stages, ensuring their music continues to reach new audiences beyond national borders.

Speaking about the performances, pianist Olga Amaro said, “The concerts of the project ‘The Rediscovery’ represent for us a moment of profound emotion and responsibility. Performing in Goa is a celebration of a shared history, an acknowledgment of mutual influences, and a tribute to centuries of cultural dialogue between Portugal and India. I hope the audience feels this connection and that the music becomes a space for sharing and inspiration, both for us and for those who will listen.”

“A Night with Medina Ribas will offer audiences not only a performance of exceptional musicianship but also a rare historical encounter, connecting Goa’s listeners with an important yet lesser-known chapter of European musical history,” said Nalini Elvino de Sousa, manager at Communicare Trust.

The music revival initiative reflects Communicare Trust’s ongoing commitment to presenting meaningful cultural experiences that deepen engagement with diverse musical traditions. For over two decades, the Dona Paula-based organisation has worked to preserve and promote languages and artistic heritage through concerts, workshops and educational programmes, fostering cultural exchange within Goa’s vibrant artistic landscape.

The first performance, titled A Night with Medina Ribas, will take place at the Black Box, Kala Academy, Panaji, on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 8:00 pm. Donation passes are priced at ₹250.

The second performance, titled Melody, Movement & More!, will be held at the historic Figueiredo Mansion in Loutolim on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7:00 pm. The evening will include a live performance by Silva and Amaro alongside a specially curated three-course dining experience in the heritage mansion. Donation passes are priced at ₹3000.