MiratecArts is planning the eighth edition of the Cordas Festival from October 1 to 8, 2023. The festival takes place

in various locations and venues in the municipality of Madalena, the youngest on the mountain island.

In addition to concerts, conferences, workshops, and other educational events, from stages to local schools, two events are open to string instrument players from the island of Pico. “These opportunities showcase the talents of our island,” says Terry Costa, founder of the festival and artistic director of MiratecArts. “From players who have been part of folklore for decades to young people who have never performed in public, everyone is welcome. Every year I’m surprised by someone I haven’t met before.”

Encontro Tradições is an event that has been taking place since 2016, with various dates throughout the year. The next meeting is scheduled for October 2, at 9 PM, at the Biblioteca Auditório da Madalena. “This event has a particular feature, taking place on Viola da Terra Day,” adds the artistic director. Therefore, we invite all Viola da Terra players on the island to join in with their viola and support the development and visibility of our region’s most unique instrument.” Viola da Terra Day has been celebrated by citizens since 2019 and was made official by the Regional Parliament, in the ALRAA, on April 20 of this year, as “Viola da Terra Day – Azores and Azorean Communities”.

The second event, with an open invitation, will take place at MiratecArts Galeria Costa, in the parish of Candelária, on Sunday, October 8 at 5 PM. “All players, no matter what instrument, strummed or fretted, should come along,” encourages Terry Costa. With a tour of the estate, solos, duos, trios, and groups are encouraged to share traditional tunes and their original works. “These events always end with Chamarritas, traditional music and bailo from our island, with a few original sounds and voices in between,” admits Terry Costa.

The invitation is public. The official program will be presented in September. The Cordas Festival opens on October 1st, International Music Day, with a special event at the top of Portugal’s highest mountain.

What a terrific time to be on Pico Island. Filamentos congratulates the amazing cultural activist Terry Costa, founder of Mirateca, for his vision, work, and commitment to the arts in the Azores.

From Mirateca Arts press release

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Medial Alliance)  at California State University, Fresno.