Some musical stories begin in formal rehearsal rooms and others are born in unlikely places.
The story of the Cecília Quartet, one of the most promising quartets of the new generation, started in a small apartment at Rua da Bataria 84, where cellist Bernardo Ferreira brought together a group of musicians united by a shared restlessness: the desire to make chamber music with depth and intention. From that meeting emerged the Quarteto 84—a name that carried the memory of the place where it all began.
From the earliest rehearsals, the group established a clear artistic curiosity: a commitment to exploring contrasting repertoires, where the classical engages in dialogue with the contemporary. This vision was quickly recognized, and in a short time, the quartet won Second Prize at the Gilberta Paiva Competition.
At a moment of natural transition, following the departure of the first violinist, the quartet invited Maxence Mouriès, a violinist whose path had crossed theirs during their formative years at the Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo (ESMAE).
This period of renewal coincided with a season of decisive and important achievements. The quartet closed the year with a major national milestone: Second Place at the prestigious Prémio Jovens Músicos in the Chamber Music category. Achieved in a highly competitive field, the result exceeded expectations and firmly established the Cecília Quartet as one of the most compelling young quartets in Portugal.
In parallel, the group marked a strategic turning point in its journey: the signing of its first management contract with Artway. More than just representation, this partnership marks the beginning of an artistic and strategic alignment - where thoughtful programming, visibility, and projection are grounded in a shared commitment to excellence, shaping the quartet’s path forward.
With this new chapter, the Cecília Quartet prepares to expand its reach, while keeping at the heart of everything what has always driven it: the deep dialogue between musicians and the belief in chamber music as a space for continuous discovery.
Today, the Cecília Quartet - Maxence Mouriès (violin), Margarida Campos (violin), Alice Peixinho (viola), and Bernardo Ferreira (cello) - continues its development under the guidance of renowned cellist Filipe Quaresma at ESMAE.
On stage, they display an admirable connection, where individual strengths intertwine with precision and emotion, creating a cohesive and compelling musical narrative.
Though still early in their journey, the quartet has already made bold artistic choices and achieved moments of national recognition. With a trajectory defined by integrity and vision, the Cecília Quartet is poised to become one of the most significant voices in Portuguese chamber music.
Yours,
Cecília Quartet