The latest Viola da Terra album by Azorean musician Rafael Carvalho, “A Teia da Viola,” is now available on digital platforms. This is the 10th solo album by this Azorean teacher and composer, and was presented on July 11 in Ribeira Quente, the musician’s hometown.

The album presentation highlighted Rafael Carvalho’s important career, both in composing original pieces for the Viola da Terra and in producing events that brought new dynamics to the instrument. At the same time, the continuous struggle in teaching was recalled, which began at the Ribeira Quente Viola School, but which led him to teach and structure the instrument’s curriculum at the Ponta Delgada Regional Conservatory.

This “Teia da Viola” reflects a personal journey and vision through the sounds of the Viola da Terra, only possible with the collaborations, learning, and inspiration of 30 years of friendships and the privilege of living on these misty islands. With 10 original compositions for Viola da Terra, the musician celebrated 30 years since he began learning the instrument with Master Carlos Quental, and now has more than 40 original compositions published for the Viola de dois Corações.

Rafael Carvalho has made his 10th solo album available on streaming platforms, following “Origens,” “Paralelo 38,” “Relheiras,” “9 Ilhas 2 Corações,” “Um Natal à Viola,” “Cordas do Mundo,” “10 Anos de Origens,” “Viola Micaelense – Ecos dos Mestres,“ and ”Ao Toque do Polegar.“ He also self-published the trilogy of his ”Método para Viola da Terra,” educational material that has been used by other steel-string guitar teachers in the country, as well as by musicians in various parts of the world, with a special focus on Azorean communities. The musician also maintains his YouTube channel, youtube.com/@carvalhorafa1980, where he has posted more than 1,700 videos, with a wealth of educational content, event recordings, and official music videos that are widely viewed and have helped many people begin learning to play the Viola da Terra. Despite his busy schedule teaching and producing events, Rafael Carvalho is keen to return in 2026 with another solo album, featuring more original songs and new collaborations.

We thank the Luo-American Education Foundation for their support.