Beyond Words: Where Poetry Becomes Sound, a piano recital by Felipe Novelino
Pianist Felipe Novelino presents two great composers of Romantic tradition. The music of Rachmaninoff and Liszt stems from the same restlessness: the search for a language capable of expressing what lies beyond words.
In the Ten Preludes, Op. 23, Rachmaninoff explores different states of the soul—ranging from nostalgia and anguish to contemplation, despair, and passion—creating a spiritual journey through sound.
In “Après une lecture du Dante”, Liszt takes this journey into an almost visionary dimension. Inspired by the world of “The Divine Comedy”, the work traverses regions of shadow and torment until it reaches moments of light and transcendence, in one of the most intense expressions of the Romantic piano.
This program invites listeners on a journey that begins with introspection and rises toward the sublime.
Admission is free, subject to room capacity (60 seats), by reservation at: 214 815 904 or mmp@cm-cascais.pt
Information: 214 815 904 or mmp@cm-cascais.pt
Organized by: Cascais City Council
SERGEI RACHMANINOV (1873–1943)
10 Preludes, Op. 23
FRANZ LISZT (1811–1886)
Après une lecture du Dante: Fantasia quasi sonata, S161/7
Felipe Novelino (piano)
“Felipe’s pianism transcends (...) with a rare sensitivity, resulting in an enchanting sound and the creation of genuinely poetic soundscapes.” With these words, composer, pianist, and arranger Claudio Dauelsberg described Felipe’s pianism.
He quickly made a name for himself on the international scene, winning several awards, including 2nd place in the Solo Piano category and the Best Portuguese Duo award in the Piano Duo category at the 7th Sardoal Young Talent Award, as well as 2nd place at the 2022 Prof. Dichler Competition in Vienna.
He has performed in Europe and South America, including Germany, Austria, Portugal, Brazil, Bolivia, Hungary, and Belgium.
Felipe has participated in masterclasses with internationally renowned artists, including Nikolai Lugansky, Sergio Tiempo, Lang Lang, Julien Libeer, Oleg Marshev, Makoto Ueno, and Peter Lang.
In 2024, he performed with the Cluster Philharmonie in Belgium at a benefit concert in support of flood victims in Brazil.
He currently lives in Belgium, where he completed his master’s degree at the LUCA School of Arts under the guidance of pianist Sylvia Thereza. Previously, he earned his bachelor’s degree at the Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe in Germany, where he studied with Kaya Han. His musical training was also shaped by the guidance of Claudio Dauelsberg in Brazil and Manuel Araújo in Portugal, teachers who played an essential role in shaping his musical identity.
Felipe served as curator, organizer, and teacher for the festival “O piano em discurso sonoro,” held in Portugal in 2025. The event brought together guest teachers, active participants, and audience members and featured recitals by both teachers and students.
His collaborations extend beyond the classical repertoire, including the composition and arrangement of “Ao Teu Lado,” in partnership with Brazilian singer Antonia Medeiros.
Alongside Portuguese pianist Catarina Madeira, he is part of a piano duo that performs regularly in Belgium, Portugal, and Austria, focusing on repertoire for four-hand piano and two pianos.
