Youth Ensemble of Setúbal

It is almost time for the Youth Ensemble of Setúbal go up on stage for the closing concert of this year’s edition of the Setúbal Music Festival, a rich and encompassing annual event that involves the whole town and distinguishes itself as a festival from all and for all. 

The Youth Ensemble of Setubal is a project developed by A7M – Cultural Association for Setubal Music Festival, under the direction of Ian Ritchie as artistic director and guided by three specialist music leaders: Rui Borges Maia, Pedro Condinho and Fernando Molina.

This coming Sunday they will premier two new pieces by Eloise Gynn (“Os Golfinhos Cantam”) and myself (“Janelas”), both somewhat reflecting the festival’s theme – Home – and with the special participation of world renowned singer Maria João.
This being the third time working for the Setúbal Youth Ensemble, a journey which is very close to my heart, “Windows” thus became a set of small tunes for the safe haven born from this ensemble. They go with the hopes of becoming windows for their joy, rhythm, intimacy, challenges and over comings, and that also open up to the creative genius of Maria João in a sharing that privileges us in every imaginable level. One of these windows (V. Look out) also opens up to The Giufà Project, as an extended version of the song “Ecco, ecco” that figures in this project.
We are all very excited! I leave a short glimpse of one of the rehearsals on the V. theme (“Look out”).