Partitura · April 2025

There is an old Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now.” On April 15, 2005, the plaque of Casa da Música was unveiled, marking the inauguration of the first building in Portugal designed exclusively for the art of organizing sound. From a common trunk, countless branches have grown, bearing fruit that, after nourishing millions of spectators and visitors, have returned to the earth, replenishing the tree – which today celebrates its 20th anniversary. Thus, an honorable chapter is fulfilled, and without interruption, a new one begins. A symbol of this transition is the passing of the baton from the principal face of Casa da Música over these two decades, António Jorge Pacheco, to his successor as Artistic Director, François Bou. To satisfy the natural curiosity of our audience regarding the vision of the former General Director of the Orchestre National de Lille for the future of Casa da Música, we present an interview in this edition of Partitura, which closes with a “mural” featuring testimonies from those who have worked here since day one and who, therefore, also share in this celebration. The April programme, we believe, reflects the founding principles of diversity, inclusion, and musical excellence announced at the time of Casa da Música’s opening. It is a mosaic of genres and styles spanning history, addressing audiences of all tastes.

While its value lies in its entirety, we nonetheless highlight a few key events. Right from the start, on April 1st – and you can believe it because it’s true – The Legendary Tigerman takes the stage to celebrate the 15th anniversary of one of his most iconic albums, Femina. Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música performs Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring the acclaimed American pianist Claire Huangci. The same instrument is then placed in the prodigious hands of Alexander Malofeev, regarded as the latest phenomenon of the Russian school, in yet another recital of the Piano Series. And proving that good things come in threes, another great pianist, the Portuguese Mário Laginha, reunites with one of our finest fado singers, Camané, to revisit their 2019 album Aqui Está-se Sossegado. For the Easter concerts, Orquestra Barroca presents an irresistible offering: Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, one of the finest examples of European sacred music literature. A reference for new generations, blending traditional music with electronic elements in a unique way, Ana Lua Caiano has entrusted her work to the arrangements of Orquestra Jazz de Matosinhos, with whom she now presents the results of this fascinating challenge. Making another appearance, our Orquestra Sinfónica performs a cornerstone of the repertoire: Beethoven’s radiant Fourth Symphony. Meanwhile, Warhaus, the solo project of Maarten Devoldere, vocalist and composer of the Belgian indie pop-rock band Balthazar, returns with a new album, Karaoke Moon. And finally, what better way to close this month of special significance than by reviving one of Casa da Música’s most iconic events? Clubbing joins the anniversary celebrations with a special free-entry edition featuring an inclusive and dynamic lineup that will carry us in euphoria into the first hours of May. Before we invite you to explore this issue of Partitura, where you will find all the details of the April programme, we must highlight one of the most emblematic festivals of our Education Service – this year featuring three concerts (two of them free) and a workshop that truly lives up to its name: Within Everyone’s Reach. A very warm welcome to the 20th anniversary of Casa da Música!

In an interview with Partitura, the new artistic director of Casa da Música shares his vision for the project, which has so far been led by António Jorge Pacheco, whose work he praises highly. Among other ideas, François Bou emphasizes the importance of strengthening Casa da Música’s resident ensembles, fostering artistic cross-disciplinarity, increasing the visibility of its education service, attracting new creators – both emerging and established, national and international – and providing the audience with more tools to engage with works of art.

Twenty years have passed, and a thousand and one experiences have been lived by those who work here, all to create unforgettable moments for those who visit. This is a time of celebration for everyone – both our team and our audience. To mark the occasion, we challenged our longest-standing colleagues, those who have witnessed Casa da Música’s journey from its very beginning, to reflect on what has left the deepest mark on them. What are the moments that will stay with them forever, from so many lived? Together, their testimonies form, deservedly, the Tónica [Keynote] of this Partitura [Score].