The Paços de Brandão International Music Festival (FIMUV) returns to Santa Maria da Feira between September 10 and October 31 for its 49th edition, maintaining a regular program spanning almost five decades. Created in 1977 by CiRAC — Círculo de Recreio, Arte e Cultura de Paços de Brandão —, the festival positions itself as one of the country's oldest music festivals, proposing concerts of classical music, opera and repertoires connected to Broadway and cinema, in various venues throughout the municipality.
The opening lyric gala is scheduled for September 13, at Europarque, with the Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra and Ukrainian soprano Olga Kulchynska. This concert also forms part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of CiRAC and the 10th anniversary of the Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra. The program also includes, on October 17, at Cineteatro António Lamoso, the international quartet Salut Salon, presenting the show "Heimat – Sky We Carry Within Us", combining chamber music with their own scenic approach.
On October 25, Europarque hosts "Broadway & Cinema in Concert", bringing together Sofia Escobar, Ricardo Afonso and Orchestra 3eFes for a concert dedicated to musical and soundtrack repertoires. The edition concludes on October 31 at the same venue, featuring Puccini's opera "Turandot", in a partnership between the Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra and Operafest.
Among the highlights of the full program are the screening of André Silva Santos' film "Sol Menor", early music concerts by Músicos do Tejo, cello and piano recitals, and various presentations of young musical talents. Tickets for the shows are available at usual outlets and online through BOL.
