The project initiated in 2023, launched by the cooperative Ccer+/Omnichord and the Leiria Museum, takes inspiration from the Chapter Room of the cultural space, where “living pictures in the form of concerts” have been showcased, according to the organizers.
“In how many ways can a museum speak to those who want to listen?” is the premise of the Ciclo Capítulo, which this year extends the reflection further.
In addition to concerts, the initiative includes talks and exhibitions, presented quarterly to explore the life and work of “four pivotal figures who revolutionized music as we know it today,” the organizers emphasized in a statement.
Raymond Scott, Delia Derbyshire, Tony Allen, and Ryuichi Sakamoto will be highlighted, with four musicians and four visual artists selected for each to tackle a unique challenge:
“What if there were a new, undiscovered recording by this artist? How would it be to dive into the artist’s visual universe and create a new interpretation of their graphic identity?”
From this challenge, a series of unprecedented works will emerge in the Chapter Room, presented as exhibitions reinterpreting each musical icon’s visual world, accompanied by biographies and sound recordings. The exhibition will conclude with the unveiling of the original musical creation.
This year’s edition of Capítulo begins by focusing on American Raymond Scott (1908-1994), “one of the most revolutionary figures in 20th-century music,” noted for his enduring impact both as a composer and an inventor.
“Scott shaped our modern sound imagination,” asserts Ccer+/Omnichord, referencing his work in jazz, electronics, jingles, experimental sounds, music for babies, and cartoons.
As an inventor, Raymond Scott foresaw innovations now ubiquitous, “from early synthesizers and multitrack recorders to the initial experiments that led to concepts like streaming and the use of artificial intelligence in sound production and distribution.”
Scott’s legacy is revisited by photographer Valter Vinagre, who addresses the organization’s prompted question in the exhibition opening on Saturday: “What would a Raymond Scott album cover look like in 2025?”
On April 12, a conversation between Rita Braga and Hugo Ferreira is scheduled, along with a documentary screening.
Additionally, musician Hasselberg will explore what a contemporary Scott composition might sound like, performing “Deconstructing Raymond Scott” live on June 29.
From April to June, the cycle focuses on English electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire, featuring an exhibition by Lisa Teles and a concert by Surma.
The ‘afrobeat’ genre, represented by Nigerian Tony Allen, will be the highlight from July to September, with paintings by Leonardo Rito and a live performance by drummers Pedro Marques (First Breath After Coma) and Vasco Silva (Whales).
Concluding the year, a tribute to Japanese Ryuichi Sakamoto is scheduled for December, featuring graphic designer Paulo Fuentez and a live performance by Rui Gaspar (First Breath After Coma).
