The House within

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].

It is a privilege to have worked in this magnificent building for 20 years, alongside people I consider friends, on projects that reach communities and touch lives. Attending high-quality concerts and meeting artists in the hallways is a wonderful perk of the job, but nothing compares to seeing a child transform into a conductor before our eyes.
– Teresa Coelho, Education Service

One unique part of this building: the staircase leading musicians to the backstage of Sala Suggia! Steep, endless – I always interpret its message this way: before anything else, a musician must be in top shape to be worthy of the orchestra’s level!
– Aldo Salvetti, oboist, Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música

April 14, 2005, was the moment that left the biggest mark on me. Lou Reed, the first of many unforgettable concerts!
– Maria Augusta Fernandes, Front of House

I often say I’m from the time of “the hole.” When I joined this project over 20 years ago, the much-talked-about Casa da Música did not exist. It was nothing more than an empty shell. The most fascinating part of this journey has been watching that shell fill up and transform into an architectural icon and a world-renowned cultural space. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication, passion, and commitment of all my colleagues – people I have the privilege of working with every day, who don’t just see this as a job, but often as their true home. We all truly deserve to celebrate!
– Antonieta Diniz, Secretariat of Governing Bodies

Over these 20 years, countless stories and meaningful moments have unfolded. But one period stands out as particularly significant: the pandemic. It exposed the vulnerabilities many colleagues faced, but the solidarity that emerged in response was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had here.
– José Orlando Rodrigues, Executive Production

I want to thank Casa da Música for 20 years filled with music that have passed in a single breath – and to wish for many more prosperous years ahead!
– Maria Kagan, violinist, Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música

I believe that education, culture, and music have the power to transform lives. Over these 20 years, I have witnessed that transformation every single day. Working at Casa da Música is more than a profession; it is a deeply immersive experience that has shaped and changed me as a person.
– Gilda Veloso, Marketing, Commercial, and Development Director

After 14 years at the box office, I still miss the adrenaline rush before each show begins…
– Sílvia Salvado, Administrative Services

Twenty years of bringing together everything that makes a house a true home. Music that unites us, friends who become family, emotions that last forever. But above all, twenty years of love.
– André Alves, Digital Marketing

For 20 years, Casa da Música has been both home and family. Here, I have made lifelong friends and built my own family. I’ve had the privilege of working with musicians I admired and of discovering a love for musicians I hadn’t known before. Here, I also learned the true meaning of solidarity, creativity, humility, and resilience – especially in 2020, when the pandemic struck, and we never let go of each other’s hands. Together, we made art, music, and video. Together, we saved each other.
– Paula Matos, Executive Production

Two decades of unforgettable musical encounters!
– Simone Almeida, Commercial and Reception

Casa da Música – 20 years of taking music on a journey into the inner world of those who walk through its doors…
– Luís Norberto Silva, violist, Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música

Twenty years at Casa da Música have been filled with incredible memories, true friendships, and professional growth that has exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait for what comes next!
– José Ribeiro, Sales Channels

I might not be here writing these lines today if, in the days leading up to Casa da Música’s inauguration in 2005, I hadn’t been rescued by a security guard from a construction area near the restaurant. I had accidentally locked myself inside. It was a late Friday afternoon; the building would be empty for the weekend, and there I was – trapped in a dark space, with the door locked behind me… and no phone! I was preparing myself for the “best” and most dehydrated weekend of my life when, luckily, someone heard my desperate knocking and came to my aid. That rescue allowed me to stay and witness some unforgettable moments – the legendary Sokolov recitals, the incredible Hyperscore project, the early days of our guided tours, the wild Clubbing nights, memorable performances by our resident ensembles, the great conductors, composers, and soloists who passed through, the fabulous Autumn in Jazz festival, and many other world music concerts. I also can’t forget the nearly 16 years of birthday celebrations that filled Casa with joy and the over 8,000 children who took part. I have also, with deep emotion, said goodbye to friends who shared their talent here or left this stage of life. Although I know that Casa da Música’s full potential has yet to be unlocked, the most important thing now is to embrace this celebration and reaffirm the genuine values that define this project, both inside and out.
– José Paulo Ferreira, Guided Tours

Although I officially joined Casa da Música on February 11, 2005, it was a true honor, privilege, and joy to take part in our move into this building. We all gave our heart and soul during that time.
– Maria Cândida Tavares, Administrative Services

What I feel after 20 years at Casa da Música is that, more than a House of Music, it is a House of People.
– Serafim da Silva Ribeiro, Technical Production

The House of all music – bringing music to the world for 20 years.
– Walter Salgado, Media Management

These 20 years at Casa have left me with strong friendships, a diverse and exciting job, the chance to interact with people from many different backgrounds, and unforgettable concerts.
– Ana Rebelo, Educational Service

Working at Casa da Música has been an extraordinary life experience, both professionally and personally. It has been a privilege to witness the growth of so many musicians – both national and international – who once stepped onto our stages as emerging artists and, 20 years later, are now major figures in Portuguese culture. Casa da Música opened its doors with a mission to teach us to look at music without prejudice, with democracy and equity, embracing all its genres and styles, awakening our curiosity and appreciation for what is different. Congratulations to Casa da Música, which has forever changed the history of Porto and the lives of all who work here.
– Filipa Leite, Non-Classical Music Programming

After 20 years at the Foundation, more than a House of Music, I see a House of Symphonies.
– Emanuel Pereira, Technical Production

A quarter of a century living this project – a beautiful restlessness, only made possible by great company!
– Ernesto Costa, Integrated Production Management