Tenor chorister João Ponte resonates with intensity in the world of music. Born in Rosário da Lagoa and still 26 years old, he has been following the path from an early age, whether on stage as a performer or in the classroom as a trainer.

João Ponte’s relationship with music began at an early age. At the age of five, he stood out in the Vozes de Maria choir, where he began his artistic training. This was just the first step on a journey that would lead him to explore different instruments and vocal techniques. In addition to the choir, he studied the trumpet and piano at the Conservatoire.

João has always had a family environment conducive to music. He grew up in a context where the church and the choir played a central role, which motivated him to seek more. “Music has always been a hobby for me, a way to escape reality, to disconnect,” he reveals. Although he initially never saw music as a profession, his talent and dedication began to pay off.

During the week, he is a trainer at the Professional School of Nordeste, having already worked in various educational establishments. He also teaches singing, vocal technique, and choir at the Povoação Music Academy. At weekends, he organizes events. In addition to these activities, he has a career as a soloist, taking part in various events. He is also a member of multiple academies and cultural institutions, including the Lagoa Musical Academy.

In addition to his training in music, João also invested in his academic education. His passion for communication was evident from his school days when he started writing a blog. João initially dreamed of becoming a flight attendant. However, his life took a different turn. After graduating in Business Communication from the Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto in 2019, he did a master’s degree in Communication, Networks, and Technologies, also in Porto. However, he never abandoned music. Still, in 2016, he attended the Porto Conservatory of Voices and Performing Arts in the Singing and Vocal Technique Course.

In this environment, João began to join various choirs, such as the Porto University Liturgical Choir, Magma Gospels, and Vocare Gospel Choir, among others. These projects gave him visibility as a performer and opened doors for his solo career.

In that northern city, the Azorean singer had the opportunity to star twice in the musical “Beauty and the Beast,” presented in the auditorium of the Almeida Garrett Library, says João Ponte.

Another important moment in his career was his solo performance in 2023 at the LusoPresse newspaper’s anniversary gala in Montreal, Canada, but his portfolio includes dozens of performances as a singer.

Music as freedom

For the young tenor from Lagos, music is a form of freedom: “Music means being free. I can create whatever I want, without having to follow a rigid line,” he says. This desire for freedom is what drives him to explore different styles and formats within music, such as opera and musicals.

João also excels in musical theater, an area he began to explore more recently, partly thanks to working with teacher Isabel Maia and director Paulo Ferreira. “That’s when the doors really started to open for me in the arts,” he says.

When asked which area he identifies with the most, João Ponte replies sincerely: “I couldn’t detach myself from any of them. I make my living from music, but my work as a trainer gives me financial security.” Balancing his various activities allows him to live a more intense and rewarding life.

João Ponte sees his multifaceted career as constantly evolving: “I don’t have just one path. Music, events, teaching—all this helps me to grow and challenge myself.”

The future and gratitude for the road traveled.

Despite his age, the young singer says he’s grateful for everything he’s achieved so far and for the opportunity to explore so many areas: “in 26 years, I’ve done so much, and I’m very grateful for that”.

The singer also recognizes the responsibility that this notoriety brings. His connection with his city is strong, and he feels he has to represent his community in a dignified way. “Being from Rosário has put a lot of weight on my shoulders, but in a good way. I feel I have a responsibility to my hometown,” he says. The singer points out that Lagoa has also provided him with various opportunities in music.

With a promising future ahead of him, João Ponte continues to experience music as a true form of expression and freedom.

Mariana Rovoredo is a journalist for Diário da Lagoa, Clife Botelho, director.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks the Luso-American Education Foundation for their support.