About

Matilde Freiria began her musical journey at six at the Conservatório de Música S. José da Guarda. She later earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Fellowship at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama under Robert Brightmore. In 2018, she expanded into early music, studying theorbo and baroque guitar with David Miller and William Carter. This exploration led to collaborations with members of the Academy of Ancient Music and involvement in opera and cantata projects. She has refined her artistry through masterclasses with Sean Shibe, Judicael Perroy, and Margarita Escarpa, gaining recognition in international competitions. A passionate advocate for new music, she regularly premieres commissioned works and encourages composers to write for guitar, helping expand its repertoire. In 2024, she was invited by Ex-Aequo residency in Austin, performing and recording a collaborative album. She currently performs with the Miragaia-Freiria Duo, the Versante Duo, and is a co-founder of OpusPausa.

Music

I usually perform a mix of classical, early, and contemporary repertoire for guitar. I’m particularly drawn to programmatic music (pieces that tell stories or evoke imagery) because they allow me to build a strong narrative connection with audiences. My interest in early music has also led me to the theorbo and baroque guitar, exploring repertoire that brings historical contexts to life. At the same time, I’m passionate about contemporary music, often premiering new works and encouraging composers to write for guitar. This balance between early, programmatic, and new repertoire shapes my artistic identity and enables me to show both the roots of the instrument and its evolving possibilities.

Videos