Sociedade Filarmónica Bendadense

OUR HISTORY:
The Bendadense Philharmonic Society was founded in 1870 by António Nunes da Fonseca Faria, Bendada's first primary teacher. Initially the band gave more importance to vocal music. Only on August 28, 1881 did he obtain his first instrumental, becoming a music band exclusively composed of instruments of blow and of percussion.
On 05-08-1882 the Bendada Philharmonic Band was invited to inaugurate the Beira Alta line in the city of Guarda, being part of the animation on the arrival of the King Dom Luís I and Queen Pia de Saboia.
On 05-18-1907 the Bendada Philharmonic Band was also the band that was present at the inauguration of the Hospital Sousa Martins (Guarda), which was attended by King Dom Carlos and Queen Dona Amelia.
In the late 30's and 50's, the band was offered to the Portuguese Legion, being the first to integrate it.

It is the only Band of the Sabugal region, district of Guarda. It has about 40 elements, mostly very young and its Maestro is Professor Luís Andrade. The repertoire is current and quite diverse. Its activities include the religious (Masses and Processions), the ludic (Concerts and Music Exchanges) and the Official Ceremonies (Reception of Ministers, Prime Minister, Secretaries of State, President of the Republic). This group has already performed twice in France, in Sèvres (Paris) in the initiative entitled "Le Mois du Portugal" and another in the french city of Pau, and in some localities of Spain.
There are innumerable times when we travel to several points in our National territory and we play in Music Demonstrations with other Phillarmonic Bands.
Its most recent history includes the construction of a bandstand in the center of the village and a venue, inaugurated on 08-08-2015, called "Casa da Música da Bendada", a state-of-the-art music school with soundproof practice rooms and a beautiful glass-wall concert hall overlooking the scenic valley of our beatiful Village.

OUR GOLD:
To promote and to disseminate philarmonic music as a cultural activity at regional and national level with the objective of increasing the number of trainees, in
capacity and age in the field of music, increase and diversify the number of performances and to be seen as an activity capable of economic dynamics in the field of culture, fundamental complement to the articulation of our Phillarmonic Band with other entities, like for exemple, support with educational institutions, Elderly People Facilities making the socio-cultural aspect of our ativity.

ABOUT BENDADA MUSIC FESTIVAL:
Set in the scenic mountain region of northern Portugal, the Bendada Music Festival offers a unique combination of daily individual instrumental lessons, chamber music coachings, and performance opportunities. Each day is filled with electives, such as choir, music theory, composition, and improvisation workshops, which provide the students with an immersive and inspiring musical experience. In addition to the final gala concert, students are invited to perform in daily outreach concerts in picturesque venues across the region, where teachers and students perform together onstage.
The festival offers individual lessons in Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Clarinet, Flute, Guitar, Voice, and Composition. Elective activities include: choir, keyboard harmony, improvisation workshop, and orchestration.
Between lessons, workshops, rehearsals, and concerts, the Festival also includes outings to the surrounding areas such as Sortelha, Belmonte, and Sabugal, where centuries-old castles tower inconspicuously over the hubbub of everyday life. Visits to museums and outdoor recreational activities offer students the ideal opportunity to relax while appreciating the local culture and breathtaking landscapes.

The festival is enthusiastically supported by the population of Bendada. Each year, they welcome the international music community with warm hearts and open arms, excited to share their love for their village with the guests of the Bendada Music Festival. The local residents serve as the main pulse for the festival, hosting Festival participants in their homes, singing in the festival adult choir, and showing up in droves for the student and faculty performances. In a world where the audience for classical music is dwindling, students at the Bendada Music Festival will have the refreshing and inspiring opportunity to perform for an audience that values and appreciates their craft with exuberance and enthusiasm.

At its core, the Bendada Music Festival is a place where serious musical instruction meets cultural immersion and light-hearted fun, all in a relaxing and supportive environment that allows students to grow as musicians and human beings.

FOR MORE INFO CHECK THE FOLLOWING LINK:
https://bendadamusicfestival.com/festival-eng/