Song and dance are a large part of the culture of Galicia, so Santiago de Compostela has many performers of the region’s Celtic-influenced music. Some of these groups produce their own albums and enjoy national popularity. One or two may also be well-known outside of Spain due to the rising popularity of Celtic music. Local musicians include SonDeSeu, an orchestra that uses traditional instruments like the bagpipes, tambourine, and harp. Xistra de Coruxo is a sextet that sometimes gives concerts in traditional costume, which are usually black, white and dusty red, very much unlike the bright, flamboyant colors associated with southern Spain.

Many concerts of contemporary music are held at the Auditorio de Galicia, which is located on the Praza da Musica. You can also find live music being performed in many bars and nightclubs, or at one of the numerous festivals that are hosted here; there is the Contemplative Music Festival in April, the Galician Choreographic Creation Competition in May, the Compostela Festival of World Music in July, the International Ancient Music Festival in September and the Microfest in November.

Religious music is also widely performed throughout Santiago de Compostela due to its importance as a holy city for pilgrims. Medieval church hymns are still played in churches during services.