The National Spring of Choirs Movement, founded and managed by Matilde Simões, is joining the population of Castelo Branco to create a new intergenerational community choir in the city. The project arose from an invitation made by Diana, responsible for Cozinha Nómada and a resident of the region, to Matilde Simões, with the aim of bringing the experience of community choirs to the territory and creating a space for artistic participation through collective singing.
The first open rehearsal is scheduled for October 11 at 5:00 PM at Fábrica da Criatividade, and will be conducted by Vânia Couto, who will ensure the initial musical direction of the project. Subsequently, Nuno Alexandre Teixeira, poet, actor, and singer-songwriter from Castelo Branco, will take over the musical continuity work in the territory. Participation is free and open to all people, with no prior musical experience required.
The project has the support of Associação Maralha and Fábrica da Criatividade, which provide the space for the choir's development. Nuno Alexandre Teixeira is also the founder of the Collective for Artistic and Cultural Intervention – MARALHA, dedicated to promoting art and culture in Castelo Branco, reinforcing the connection between artistic creation and the local community.
The National Spring of Choirs Movement has been establishing community singing as an artistic practice of participation and social transformation, with projects such as the Choir of Women from the Factory in Coimbra, the Choir of Women from the Island in São Miguel, Azores, and the Choir of Women from the Neighborhood in Figueira da Foz. The new choir in Castelo Branco is part of this network of community choirs that use music as a tool to bring together people, generations, and different life experiences.
