Banda Sinfónica de Alcobaça HISTORY OF THE BAND Banda de Alcobaça (BA) had its origins in the Fanfarra Alcobacense, an ensemble composed only of brass instruments, which existed from 1900 to 1912. It attained a high artistic level that earned it the honorary title of Royal Fanfare Alcobacense, granted by King Carlos I and Queen Dona Amélia. Founded on 19 March 1920, over the next 40 years BA performed in countless locations all over Portugal. After a break in its activity it was reestablished in 1985, already with a distinctive style which is closer to that of a wind orchestra or concert band than that of a traditional brass band. In 2000, BA recorded their first CD during its 80th anniversary celebrations, which included works by Astor Piazzolla, Gustav Host, Jan Van der Roost and Johan de Meij. In 2003, BA performed with a number of the best bands in the district of Leiria (Portugal). In 2004, BA accompanied the pop group "The Gift", during a live concert, on the song "Guess Why", which was subsequently recorded on the group's album "AM- FM". Since 2006 BA has taken part in the biennial Band Contest of Ateneu Artístico Vilafranquense, competing in the 1st division on its first appearance. In both 2008 and 2010 it competed in the 2nd division, placing 1st in 2010. In 2012, BA came 2nd in the 1st division. In 2010 BA celebrated its 90th anniversary and once again recorded an album which featured some of the most emblematic works that it has performed. The musical quality BA achieved and the constant pursuit of new and challenging repertoire, culminated in the occasional use of string instruments in its formation and the change of the band's name to Banda Sinfónica de Alcobaça (BSA). Also worthy of note is its participation in the last three editions of Cistermúsica - Alcobaça Music Festival. BSA has the support of Direção-Geral das Artes. BIOGRAPHY OF THE CONDUCTOR Rui CarreiraRui Carreira began studying Choir Conducting with Professor Eli Camargo in 1990. He has attended International Choir Conducting Courses in Spain and Portugal under the guidance of Maestros Lluis Virgili, Montserrat Rios, Maite Oca, Josep Ramon Gil, Ger Hovius, John Ross, Vianey Cruz, Alain Langrée and Hübert Velten. He also attended, from 1999 to 2004, the Orchestra Conducting Course in Dijon, and from 2004 to 2007, the Orchestra Conducting International Workshops of Leiria, both under the direction of Maestro Jean-Sébastien Béreau.He collaborated in the direction of the Mixed and Male Choirs of Orfeão de Leiria from 2000 until 2007. He collaborated with Pedro Figueiredo in the Direction of the Chamber Choir of Orfeão de Leiria Music School, and as Principal Conductor in 2006 and 2007. From 2006 to 2011 he directed the Orquestra Metropolitana de Lisboa (OML) Easter and Summer Workshops for Winds and Percussion. In 2007 he directed the OML Júnior in the OML Anniversary Concert. He directed the 10th and 11th Improvement Courses for Young Band Musicians promoted by Federação de Bandas do Distrito de Leiria and INATEL. He directed the 1st Workshop for Wind and Percussion Orchestra in Ponta Delgada and in 2013 directed the Band Workshop and Orchestra Conducting Course in Porto Judeu. He conducted the Wind Orchestra of OML Júnior in the projects "1001 Musicians" and "Music in the Squares". From 2008 to 2010 he collaborated with J. S. Béreau in the Direction of the Orquestra Sinfó. From 2009 to 2011 he directed in concert, for his master's degree, the following symphonic bands: PSP, GNR and Portuguese Army, under the guidance of, respectively, F. Hauswirth, J. S. Béreau and M. Fennell. In 2011 he directed the Contemporary Music Group of Lisbon. He has been the Maestro of the Banda Sinfónica de Alcobaça since 2002. |
