In a presentation outlining its final four months of programming, João Cristiano Cunha emphasized the “diversity” of performances, spanning “theater, music, and dance.”
This weekend marks the start of the “Música na Paisagem” festival, aimed at bringing music to various locations within the Montesinho Natural Park, integrating it with the surroundings of nature, villages, and people. For the first time, it will take place at the Santuário Nossa Senhora da Hera in Cova de Lua.
Highlights include the Bragança Classicfest, now in its fifth edition, a classical music festival running from September 27 to October 11. It features eight performances, four of which are free, with three being held at the Church of São Francisco and the opening at the Basilica of Santo Cristo de Outeiro. The remaining shows will be at the municipal theater.
Between November 18 and 22, the “Bô Jazz” will also be held in tribute to Francisco Vidente de Sousa, a “unique” and “remarkable” figure in 20th-century Bragança culture. The event is directed by his grandson, who will play his grandfather’s records on an old DJ turntable.
Further into the musical offerings, the cultural space will welcome local talents, including the band “Odores de Maria” in November, making a return after nearly 20 years. It will also host two national tours, celebrating 45 years of GNR and performances by Pedro Abrunhosa and Comité Caviar.
Educational service performances will continue, featuring open rehearsals with a pedagogical character to educate audiences, along with masterclasses for music students.
The audience can also expect three theatrical co-productions, one exploring the theme of aging at home, reflecting regional and national interior experiences.
Unlike usual, the Teatro Municipal de Bragança will screen a film by director João Botelho. “As meninas exemplares,” inspired by Paula Rego’s paintings, will be both a cinematic presentation and an exhibition at the theater. Additionally, the director will engage with the audience in a commentary session.
Comedy is also part of the lineup with the show “Lar Doce Lar” by Maria Rueff and Joaquim Monchique.
The theater director further announced that from January to July, 64 shows took place across 86 sessions, attracting 13,100 spectators, with an overall occupancy rate of 88.2%, levels regarded as “excellent.”
The annual budget of the Bragança municipality for the theater’s programming is approximately 400,000 euros.
“It is very well adjusted to the reality of Bragança, both the municipality and the district. Within these values, we have presented a very eclectic, quality program, and the public has responded,” concluded João Cristiano Cunha.
The cultural space was closed in August for maintenance and the ticket office opens today.
