Photography with Rafael G. Antunes
Various locations, daylight hours, everyday of the festival
And off we go, to our chests and cupboards to find hats, earrings, necklaces and old clothes from our grandparents and great-grandparents. We want that picture taken with the camera from another time, that smiles and says "Look at the birdy!”
Photos exhibited at no.15 fifth of October street (old Vital shop)
#art
Exhibition
The most pertinent ethnomusicologist in the safeguarding of Popular Portuguese Culture, Michel Giacometti, left us an incredible source of photographic documentation, audio and written files, as well as an extraordinary collection of musical instruments and ethnographic objects, leading us to a greater understanding of the social, political and cultural context of the archaic Portuguese world in disintegration.
Biographical Notes gives us a perspective of who this man was who continues to inspire so much.
#anthropology
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Sound installation by Nuno Torres and Vasco Pita
Be transported to different locations in and around Ferreira as you listen to the soundscapes, captured and transformed through a generative algorithm into a musical composition .The artists challenge the displacement and overlapping of sound environments, resulting in the aggregation and fragmentation of the aural landscape. The installation seeks to deepen an investigation around the possibilities that digital support interfaces bring to the fields of sound diffusion and listening as a performative act.
#art
Exhibition
The Ferreira do Alentejo Museum in collaboration with the Portuguese Music Museum, present to the public a documentary exhibition on the Alentejano Cante, evoking the work of ethnologist Michel Giacometti to reveal the vitality of the musical expression that so strongly formed his identity and is still prevalent in the Ferreira do Alentejo municipality, where there are presently twelve active choral groups.
#exhibition
#art
with Coro Mútua dos Pescadores e Ponto Seguro
Various locations, starting at Comendador Infante Passanha Square
Leading the tour of art exhibition openings, Coro Mútua dos Pescadores e Ponto Seguro (the Fishermen’s Insurance Coop Choir) explore the Portuguese Folk Songbook from the collections of Michel Giacometti, with harmonisations by Fernando Lopes-Graça and directed by conductor Ivo Castro. The choir members, including Carla Espada, Guilhermina Gomes, João Vidigal, José Bebiano, Lurdes Gaspar, Marta Pita e Sandra Codinha, form part of the unique and important Insurance company Mútua dos Pescadores, granted an honorary fisheries medal in 2000.
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Art Exhibitions - Inaugurations: Crystal Kershaw, Maya Fernandes Kempe and Wiro van Vilsteren
Just as Michel Giacometti fell in love with these lands, others arrive and stay. Inspired by Alentejo, we show the works of artists from various origins who enchant us with their work: Crystal Kershaw, Maya Fernandes Kempe and Wiro van Vilsteren.
Various locations, openings tour commencing at the Comendador Square.
#exhibition
#art
Exhibition by Maya Fernandez Kempe
Anthropomorphic animals stare at us, lurk or gently gaze into the distance, referring to the finest and most gentle neoclassical busts, inviting the viewer to the natural elegance of being human and of being animal.
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#art
Sculpture by Wiro van Vilsteren
with Alentejano choral group
Lightweight, suspended wooden structures question our relationship to permanence through the ephemerality of their architecture, demonstrating the constant movement and transformation of material and reality. The olive wood used in the sculptures is burnt creating a thick charcoal skin which is then impregnated with wax, expressing not only the vulnerability and perishableness of material, but also how it is preserved, reenforcing as such the inter-relation between layers of time.
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Confraternization with the Mútua Choir and Peroguarda Cante Choirs Alma Alentejana and the Margaridas
At nightfall, “Rancho” in Peroguarda (traditional Alentejanean chickpea stew, presented in two versions, the vegetarian ‘De azeite’, and with meat ‘À lavrador’), accompanied by Alentejano singing with the Peroguarda Cante choirs and the Mútua Choir, presenting repertoire from the composer greatly inspired by traditional Portuguese music, Fernando Lopes-Graça, friend and research colleague of Michel Giacometti. The Rancho is served in ‘panelas’ - typical clay pots from Alentejo forming a display or ‘cocaria’. These panelas, used for many centuries to cook and transport food by men and women working in the fields, are some of the final stock of Antonio Matos, the last traditional potter making them in Lower Alentejo.
#music
#gastronomy
Sculptural installation by Crystal Kershaw
Designed specifically for the Municipal Garden Lake, the ethereal and luminous islets built with natural, local and seasonal materials, invite us to imagine places of curiosity and mystery, innate with force and delicacy.
#art
Film by Hiroatsu Suzuki and Rossana Torres
A poem in image and sound between humankind and nature in the Guadiana valley and Caldeirão sierra.
33’ /PT/ 2009
Special session for 10th grade students.
#cinema
Conference (streaming) with Patrizia Gattaceca and Celina da Piedade
Patrizia Gattaceca, a leading protagonist of the Corsican political and cultural movement, Riacquistu, speaks about how the movement has impacted her throughout her impressive artistic life. An authority in research on oral and musical tradition from Corsica, the Mediterranean island and birthplace of Michel Giacometti, Patrizia shines a light on the forgotten treasures of the Corsican oral tradition. In Ferreira do Alentejo, Patricia Gattaceca while talking with Celina, takes us on a journey through the history of Corsican traditional music from the time of the paghjellaghji, the times of cabaret and the Riacquistu movement to where it is today.
Celina da Piedade is a musician, composer, investigator and teacher. She began her musical life in early childhood, making a stage out of her home, going on to participate in more than a hundred record editions, as well as soundtracks, theatre and dance. Dedicated to the study and the wide spreading of Alentejo’s musical heritage, collaborating with ‘cantadores’, choral groups and local organisations, she actively promotes the Alentejano Cante locally and abroad. Celina da Piedade informs us in this shared talk with Patrizia, of the musical and social journey of the Alentejano Cante from the beginning of the twentieth century until today. Shegives special attention to the presence of Women in this practice, revealing the structural evolution of the Alentejano ‘Modas’ or songs, to arrive at the current form in which they are sung and lived today.
#music
#anthropology
#conference
Masterclass by Soledonna
A rare opportunity to explore the fascinating Corsican Polyphony, guided by three of the best female Corsican vocal artists and authentic cultural ambassadors, Patrizia Gattaceca, Patrizia Poli e Lydia Poli.
The masterclass is structured based on three voices; the voice that launches the singing (A seconda), bass voice (U bassu) and the voice adorning the melody (A terza). Each of the twenty one participants (seven females and/or males for each voice), is invited to join the group that best corresponds to their voice range, working on the traditional song: Moita and on the contemporary polyphony: Giramondu.
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with Cante Choirs Alma Alentejana, The Trabalhadores and The Rurais;
along with artists António Mestre and Nuno Alves;
Shepperd’s Bell Rack - Interactive Sound Installation;
Degustation of Organic Extra Virgen Olive Oil from Monte do Paço
Celebrate the Cante amongst the large clay ’talhas’, passed down from generation to generation, whilst savouring traditional nibbles and local wine. The very three, now emblematic local Cante choirs that Michel Giacometti recorded, wrote about and raised his glass to, honour us with their presence: Alma Alentejana, The Trabalhadores and The Rurais. In a night where all are invited to sing, two fascinating ambassadors of traditional art from Alentejo present some of their work: the master potter António Mestre and the holm oak wood worker Nuno Alves. Explore the chiming sonorities of goat herding, interacting with the Shepperd’s bell rack, inside the Wine and Cante Centre.
#music
#gastronomy
#art
Pottery by António Mestre
Antonio Mestre hypnotises with his art of working clay and fire, his magic running Portugal and abroad. His clay works can be small in dimension but, it’s the large ones that make him the master he is. “I was born into this, my father would keep pieces of clay under the bed where i slept”, he said. Solicited by many collectors, interior designers and artists, Antonio Mestre works incessantly with the natural joy of being a true great, with a tinge of regret at not having an apprentice to pass on this ancient art form.
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Sculpture by Nuno Alves
A rare opportunity to view holm oak pieces handcrafted by Nuno Alves. Working with a chainsaw from the age of 14, the artist pruned and cut holm oak timber for firewood and also to make charcoal. At thirty years, he launched himself into the making of utilitarian pieces, interior design work and urban furniture. Artfully carving with a chainsaw, Nuno Alves creates monolithic pieces of holm oak with such singularity and mastery that a patent has been registered for the technique he employs. The works are distinguished wherever they are exhibited and receive honourable mentions. His pieces, very sought after, are acquired by many public organisations, private houses and family estates in Portugal and Spain.
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Interactive sound installation
Explore the chiming sonorities of goat herding, interacting with the Shepperd’s bell rack, inside the Wine and Cante Centre. Consisting of 450 bells from the Alcáçovas Bronze and Brass Foundry, this bell rack invites all to a space of musical indeterminacy where the archaic and contemporary worlds meet.
#art
The Cante Singing True To Alentejo
Traditional Alentejano olive groves tended to with care by the family of Monte do Paço of Ferreira do Alentejo gift the palate with fine organic extra virgen olive oils, “Pitéus do Paço”, a star pick of these. The olive varieties cobrançosa, cordovil, maçanilha, verdial, azeiteira and galega grada are beaten down into cloths placed under the trees just in the way the family ancestors once harvested, maintaining the ecosystem intact, saving the biodiversity and protecting the natural and human landscape.
#gastronomy
Film by Francisca Marvão
with the presence of the director and some protagonists
The universe of amplified guitars and distorted sound is generally assumed to be a masculine medium, if we listen more closely however, we discover another story! ’She is a Song’ sounds the voices, basses, drums and guitars of Portuguese women who make rock the way and the world that transforms worlds.
Film by Francisca Marvão with Adelaide Ferreira, Ana Deus, Ana Markl, Beatriz Rodrigues, Cláudia Guerreiro, Lena Andrade, Lena d’Água, Maria Teresa Horta, Ondina Pires, Sónia Cabrita, Xana among others
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with DJ Candy Diaz
Thrilling with her choice of albums ranging from banality to rarity, Candy Diaz Aka Ana Farinha paints a world without border restrictions full of congas, palms, fervent gospelian choirs and undisciplined scratching guitars. The sets include a variety of genres, from Punk to Funk to Soulful and Discontented Soul, Girls-Groups, Latin download, African beats, Exotic, Dub, Hip Hop, Bizarre and Spoken Word.
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Local Popia biscuit Challenge
Old family recipes of a variety of ‘popias’ - traditional biscuits, are showcased for the public by the local population of the borough of Ferreira. Venture down to try these famous Alentejanean biscuits entered in a fun and friendly challenge.
(Announcement of the winners 12:30)
#gastronomy
Music by Quartet Ma Non Troppo
This enthusiastic clarinet quartet blow us away around the world with their varied repertoire of Traditional and Popular Music, full of rhythms and tones of chorinhos, sambas, baião, mornas, jazz and erudite.
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Performance art by Mónica Samões and José Pelicano, based on the text by Gertrude Stein with local students from 4th/5th grade
A story told by children on a journey contrary to the universe of words and sound. Local school children read from the poetically sublime texts of Gertrude Stein, the main patron of world art during the onset of the twentieth century, enchanting adults with a magnificent chorus.
#art
#performance
Film by Hiroatsu Suzuki and Rossana Torres
with the presence of the directors and protagonist Nuno Alves
Somewhere in Alentejo, there are two large earth covered kilns where a man makes charcoal.
The essential elements of fire, water, air, earth and space reflect, breathe and celebrate the rhythm of the Earth.
#cinema
by Elizabeth Davis
A special opportunity to experiment first hand the magical sounds of the Gamelan and to celebrate International children’s day with the whole family through the extraordinary experience of making music. A gift from Indonesia, this Javanese Gamelan, a set of percussion instruments consisting of a wide range of brass instruments, sets of metallophones, gongs and drums amongst others, manages to establish the setting from where a unique team spirit emerges through cooperation and integration. Relax under the guidance of someone devoted to the research and teaching of the Javanese Gamelan, highly acclaimed Elizabeth Davis, as she covers educational, therapeutic, social and artistic aspects in her fun and dynamic approach.
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Concert by Soledonna
This unconventional female trio sing Corsica and celebrate it’s sacred heritage while exploring in depth the miscegenation of cultures in the Mediterranean. The three author/composer/interpreters forming the trio Soledonna, bring a serenely confident modernity to the world through their interpretation, whilst creating a powerful experience where the complexities of human emotion and history, passed down through the songs, strike a universal chord. These a cappella songs are integrated in their daily lives, and the osmosis between tradition and modernity imposes itself on their artistic approach. Innovation upon innovation, perseverance and daring are measured by the exceptional diversity of this group, recipients of the most prestigious traditional music award in France.
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Concert with Yogistragong directed by Elizabeth Davis
Be transported to another world as Yogistragong introduce us to the traditional music of the Indonesian Island of Java and more recent unpublished fusion works, as the mesmerising and shimmering sounds of the Gamelan fill the garden. Under the direction of the current timpanist and head of percussion of the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Davis, the ensemble demonstrate their diverse skills and adaptability as they bring to life the unique and visually spectacular collection of instruments that make up the ancient Gamelan. Joining the orchestra, two traditional dancers from the Indonesian Embassy share choreographically the legends of “Rama Shinta” and “Rahvana”, contributing to this visually and musically impressive performance not to be missed.
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Concert by the Adufeiras of Monsanto
Firmly rooted in the ancestral traditions of Monsanto, a Portuguese village famous for its springtime legends and rituals, this internationally recognised group preserve and spread their cultural heritage through the genuine affirmation of their brightly coloured costumes, songs and rhythms of the Adufe – a square framed hand drum played exclusively by women par excellence, crossing religious contexts mainly in the Iberian Peninsula during the 11th and 12th centuries. In their present form, the Adufeiras of Monsanto offer an authentic privilege to all those attending the performance.
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Concert by Celina da Piedade and the Cante Choir groups Rosas de Março and Alma Nova, with special guest participation of Tim
In a journey through the colours and forms of traditional Alentejano music, the charming Celina da Piedade and her accordion conjure the memories and celebrate the roots of all who accompany her both on and off the stage. The polyphonias of Ferreira bloom forth from the voices of Celina’s prestigious guests: Cante choirs Alma Nova and Rosas de Março. Joining this magnificent female force, in a show full of historical symbolism, the impressive and famous Ferreira born Tim, brings to the stage a treasured viola Campaniça, part of the Municipal Museum collection and previously owned by the mythical Jorge Caranova, delighting us with a unique performance. A memorable night leaving the audience wondering if they saw comets pass by.
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Hai La Hora Orchestra with special participation of the Ferreira do Alentejo Philharmonic Band
Constantly developing it’s own approach to the Balkanic folkloric music of Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldovia and Serbia amongst others, this upbeat Berlin born group of ten musicians from different corners of Europe, join forces with the twenty-five strong Ferreira do Alentejo Philharmonic Band to cause unavoidable toe tapping and merry making on the dance floor. Definitely the most fruitful intercultural artistic residency in town.
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International gastronomy
To open our AfroSunday and recharge your batteries after all the festivities here is a plate of hearty authentic Cape Verdean slow cooked stew made from corn, various beans and meats. Cooked on site exclusively for the festival by a group of Cape Verdean women, this star dish from their homeland can be enjoyed with a digestive punch or grogue.
#gastronomy
with the Batukaderas of Marapano
In a crescendo of polyrhythmic beats, with scarves draped around their ‘torno’ (lathe/buttocks), ten women between the ages of 18 and 70 play/dance/sing/drum, call-response style, in this Cape Verdean party. This musical genre, dating back at least to the eighteenth century, is brought to us through the leadership of Maria from Stª Catarina beach, the soloist Deolinda Fidalgo, the accompanying batukaderas / cantaderas and their special guest the Funaná.
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by Fogo Fogo
Fogo Fogo (Fire Fire) is an urgent manifestation of a culture, that very much like a volcano, is about to explode. The musicians are deep connoisseurs of multiple, African inspired grooves. The bands crucial mission: to induce dancing with no hidden tricks, only powerful bpms loaded with drums and bass in permanent slippage and sounds inspired by the ‘gaita’ (traditional concertina), commanding their melodic identity. Fogo Fogo may well be the event of the year that not many people have yet discovered. But after the eruption, nothing will remain the same. Ferreira will be set on fire. Just as well we have the firefighter volunteers next-door!
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