Partitura · July 2025

Over the years, the terrace has proven to be one of the most emblematic spaces of Casa da Música’s summer season. The reasons are clear: it offers the perfect setting for enjoying warm summer nights in a convivial atmosphere, serves as a stage for popular concerts – often marked by danceable rhythms – and, with free admission, creates special moments of connection among diverse audiences. It is, therefore, an inclusive and vibrant setting where music’s power and its invitation to share happiness are joyfully celebrated.

This month promises to be a lively one, with a clear spotlight on Lusophone cultures: the lineup features six Brazilian acts, two Portuguese, one Angolan, and one from Guinea-Bissau. The open-air celebration spans from the Afro-Brazilian eclecticism of Enio to the organic trance of Olive Tree Dance; from the musical and sociopolitical sensitivity of Nino Galissa and his inseparable kora to the warm blend of kizomba, soul, blues, Afro-jazz, zouk, and kuduro by Klaudio Hoshai. Add to this the poetic and melodic lyricism of singer-songwriter Arthur Nogueira; the vibrant mix of forró, frevo, maracatu, and other northeastern Brazilian rhythms brought by André Rio; the Afro-Bahian groove of Mocofaia; the bold, high-energy instrumental rock of Chimpanzé Clube Trio; the electroacoustic fusion of roots and multiple sources by Ocenpsiea; and the Amazonian blend of indigenous tradition, futurism, resistance, consciousness, and driving beats offered by Eric Terena.

Beyond the terrace – but reaching further afield – our Symphony Orchestra also takes part in the festivities with special guests in free-entry concerts across familiar venues in the Porto Metropolitan Area. These events form an essential part of Casa da Música’s summer, drawing both locals and visitors who recognise the unique magic of these unforgettable musical evenings. The programmes, varied and often surprising, span from famous orchestral works to traditional dances and songs from around the world, and even timeless classics of Brazilian music.

Indoors, July offers equally compelling highlights. How to resist, for example, the chance to see one of American indie cinema’s cult icons, Jim Jarmusch, on stage alongside Dutch musician Jozef van Wissem (composer of the Only Lovers Left Alive soundtrack) in a singular, high-intensity concert? Another standout from the United States is Bill Callahan, with his unmistakable deep voice and profound presence in folk and indie rock, returning to perform his latest album Ressuscitate! with soul and heart. And what about the whirlwind that is Margareth Menezes – Brazil’s current Minister of Culture and a Bahian torchbearer of Afro-pop, axé, and samba-reggae – who also juggles a career in acting and is ready to bring the energy and spirit of Carnival to Sala Suggia?

Speaking of the main auditorium at Casa da Música, this month also marks another edition of the tribute to the Porto-born cellist after whom it is named, with a concert by the winner of the [Guilhermina] Suggia Prize alongside Orquestra Sinfónica, followed the next day by the Cellists Marathon –an annual tradition in which dozens of young talents perform musical pieces in a variety of formats throughout the entire building.

And there are more names to take note of. One is Janita Salomé, the Alentejo-born composer and performer who is an undisputed reference in Portuguese traditional-rooted popular music, now unveiling the poetic charm of his latest album, Pássaro Azul. Another is Martins, from Pernambuco – a standout among contemporary Brazilian songwriters, in the deeply respected opinion of none other than Ney Matogrosso.

A true celebration of communities, the Sonópolis concert once again marks the end of another season for our Education Service, bringing together on stage around two hundred musicians – both professionals and amateurs – from a wide range of social backgrounds. And with the academic year wrapping up, Casa da Música will also host a series of school concerts.

But if you want a detailed look at everything you can see and experience with us throughout this blessed month, there’s no better way than to follow the sun through the pages of this Partitura. We’ll be waiting for you!

These are four open-air concerts held across different locations in the Porto Metropolitan Area, each offering a richly diverse repertoire that departs from the traditional expectations of a symphonic ensemble. This summer, the musicians of Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música take to the streets once again for a series of evenings where musical styles and inspirations intermingle freely.

There will be fado and jazz, 19th-century compositions, and orchestral renditions of Brazilian popular music – an exceptional opportunity to hear and feel the versatility of instruments typically devoted to classical music.