Partitura · June 2025

We enter this radiant and promising month of June by descending into the deep, dark waters of the ocean. It may seem like a paradox, but guided by the music of Olga Neuwirth – one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary art – we discover, down on the ocean floor, a luminescent creature: the vampire squid. Under its spell, we rise again to the surface, ready to embrace the pleasures of warmer days. And at Casa da Música, those pleasures abound. The month kicks off with two irresistible names: Criolo and Mayra Andrade. The São Paulo star celebrates his 50th birthday with a career-spanning performance that not only blends hip hop, samba, MPB, and reggae, but also ventures into trap, grime, drill, and afrobeat. The Cape Verdean muse joins forces with guitarist Djodje Almeida to offer us a magical concert, filled with intimate, simple, and luminous renditions of her many hits. Tchaikovsky’s musical universe takes center stage in two programmes by our Symphony Orchestra: the first features the brilliant cellist Pavel Gomziakov performing the famous Variations on a Rococo Theme, while the second delves into the mysteries that still surround the Russian composer’s Fifth Symphony. Under the baton of renowned Italian conductor and oboist Alfredo Bernardini, Orquestra Barroca embarks on a refined journey through lesser-known 18th-century works, in a weekend that concludes with Coro Casa da Música performing pieces that reveal music’s sacred power – from the late Renaissance to the present day. Before the curtain rises on Summer at Casa – our warm-season programme running from June 19 to September 6 and detailed in the following pages (Tónica) – we welcome several major artists. Among them, Canadian virtuoso pianist and composer Tony Ann brings a repertoire that includes essential tracks from his Emotionally EP trilogy alongside new material, showcasing his flair for breaking stylistic boundaries. Portuguese singer-songwriter Mimi Froes also joins us to present her latest studio album and alternative versions of fan favorites, in a concert enriched by the presence of guest artists Tiago Nacarato and Malva – a rising talent who will grace the Café stage two days earlier. We must also highlight Astor Piazzolla Quintet, faithful stewards of the legacy of the tango master whose unforgettable creations they bring to life. And of course, as another school year draws to a close, Casa da Música’s always vibrant educational programme – workshops, performances, and training sessions – continues to thrive, alongside the many school concerts held in our halls. Because the future matters, a final note goes to the decisive phase of Future, our festival and competition for school-based jazz and rock bands. But now, let your fingers turn these Partitura pages and follow the path of the sun. You can already smell Summer at Casa in the air.

If it weren’t for the 20 years of history behind it – years filled with joy, celebration, and artistic delight, both outdoors and within the building’s many spaces – the very idea of Summer at Casa might seem like a contradiction. After all, summer is the season for leaving the house (casa, in Portuguese). It’s a time of movement – not only through the streets of our villages, towns, and cities but also within ourselves. And Casa da Música embraces this idea wholeheartedly. Wherever Casa is, summer is too. From June 19 to September 6, that principle comes alive once again and, like the sun, it shines for everyone.