September 2025 Score

In keeping with what has become a tradition, Casa da Música once again celebrates the return from summer holidays with an open invitation to the entire population to gather in the heart of Porto – Avenida dos Aliados – and enjoy two concerts that embody the spirit of its September programming: a passion for cultural crossovers, the joy of inclusion, and the pleasure of sharing. The first to take the stage is Som da Rua, a truly special ensemble now over 15 years old, born from a partnership between our Education Department and institutions from the Greater Porto area. It is made up of citizens who know the harsh reality of life on the streets firsthand. This moving performance is based largely on a repertoire of songs created by the participants themselves. The following night marks the return to work of Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música, with a celebratory programme that brings together music rooted in the popular traditions of various regions across the globe. As mentioned, this opening weekend sets the tone for the rest of the month’s programming. September’s first thematic narrative is aptly titled Repercussions, a series of three concerts united by a common thread: percussion instruments. Featuring two of Casa da Música’s resident ensembles – Orquestra Sinfónica and Remix Ensemble – the series also welcomes internationally acclaimed percussionists. The fourth module of the 16th Free Course in Music History, taking place on the last three Mondays of the month, is also dedicated to the language of percussion. Titled “Timbre and Rhythm”, it dives deep into these fundamental elements of musical expression. Often considered the most difficult piano concerto in the world, Rachmaninoff’s Third – which the composer himself premiered in New York – will be performed by the young Chinese pianist Zeyu Shen, winner of this year’s Lyon International Piano Competition. He will perform it twice with our Symphony Orchestra, the second time in a special concert with commentary by composer and musicologist Daniel Moreira. Orquestra Barroca also returns this month, presenting works from the late Baroque period for three soloists and ensemble, including the concertos Bach wrote for three harpsichords and two of his famous Brandenburg Concertos. In other musical realms, a handful of notable names deserve attention – all with something in common: Latin Grammy nominations. Mariana Aydar, Valeria Castro, Diego Guerrero, and Estrella Morente & Rafael Riqueni span genres from forró to flamenco, with stops in world music, but they all share that same prestigious recognition. Also joining them is Knower, a revered American duo known for their electrifying jazz-funk fusion. Heading the Portuguese presence is a tribute to the timeless figure of Carlos Paredes. Nicknamed “The man of a thousand fingers”, the concert brings to life 12 of the great master’s works for Portuguese guitar, newly arranged in never-before-heard formats. Across the café and terrace stages, free-entry concerts will also showcase some of the finest and most diverse music currently being made in Portugal – and beyond. The month closes with the soulful sound of fado, in the voice of promising young singer Sara Sousa. These are some of the key notes from Casa da Música this September. But as many great composers throughout history have noted, “music is the space between the notes.” So for now, we invite you to leaf through the pages of this Partitura – and then, of course, to join us in experiencing what truly matters.