The sound of the Viola da Terra, the instrument that has become one of the defining voices of Azorean musical identity, filled the Centro Social e Paroquial da Ribeira Quente on July 10, where a capacity audience gathered for the premiere of “Tangedores,” an innovative concert that celebrated both tradition and artistic renewal.
Produced by the Associação de Juventude Viola da Terra, the performance brought together, for the very first time, two of the Azores’ most respected ambassadors of the instrument: Evandro Meneses, from Terceira Island, performing on the 15-string Viola da Terra, and Rafael Carvalho, from São Miguel, master of the 12-string Viola da Terra. Their long-awaited collaboration became more than a concert—it was a dialogue between islands, traditions, and generations, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of an instrument deeply rooted in Azorean culture while continually evolving through contemporary creativity.
Throughout the evening, the two musicians guided the audience on a musical journey that honored the instrument’s rich heritage while embracing new artistic possibilities. Solo performances such as “Mouraria” and “Chamarrita Velha e Nova,” alongside original compositions including “Relheiras” and “Cordas,” highlighted the distinct tonal qualities, tuning systems, and technical approaches of the two varieties of the Viola da Terra. These moments allowed listeners to appreciate not only the historical differences between the instruments but also the remarkable expressive range each possesses.
The heart of the performance, however, belonged to the duo’s collaborative interpretations. Traditional favorites such as “Pezinho Velho” and “Olhos Pretos” were interwoven with works by contemporary Azorean composers, including “Lamento” by Fernando Reis Júnior and João Miguel Sousa, and “No Vapor da Madrugada” by Luís Alberto Bettencourt, immortalized through the interpretation of the celebrated Azorean group Rimanço.
The program also ventured beyond the traditional repertoire, embracing technically demanding works that showcased the extraordinary capabilities of both musicians. Pieces such as the Venezuelan traditional composition “La Partida,” José Rebola’s “Balalaikas,” and an imaginative fusion of “Fado Corrido” with spirited Guitarradas revealed how naturally the Viola da Terra can converse with broader musical traditions while remaining unmistakably Azorean.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when Meneses and Carvalho performed together, for the very first time, their shared original composition “Mandei Minh’Alma Ir À Fonte.” Although both musicians had previously recorded the piece independently on their respective albums, it had never before been performed as a duet. The performance offered audiences a rare and deeply symbolic moment, representing the convergence of two artistic journeys into a single musical voice.
More than a concert, “Tangedores” became an educational and cultural experience. Throughout the evening, the performers engaged the audience in conversation, sharing insights into the history of the Viola da Terra, its different regional traditions, tuning systems, playing techniques, and the remarkable diversity found across the nine islands of the Azores. This spirit of dialogue transformed the event into a celebration not only of music but also of cultural knowledge and living heritage.
The enthusiastic response from the full house in Ribeira Quente confirmed the growing appreciation for the Viola da Terra as both a traditional instrument and a vibrant vehicle for contemporary artistic expression. It also reinforced the mission of the Associação de Juventude Viola da Terra to preserve, promote, and continually reimagine one of the Azores’ greatest musical treasures.
“Tangedores” will return for its second and final performance of 2026 on July 27 at 9:00 p.m. at the Auditorium of the Whalers Museum in Lajes do Pico. The concert will feature special guest percussionist Rui Silva, adding a new musical dimension to this unique collaboration. Admission is free, subject to venue capacity.
By bringing together two exceptional musicians, two distinct Viola traditions, and a shared vision for the instrument’s future, “Tangedores” demonstrates that the Viola da Terra continues to be much more than a symbol of the Azores’ past. It remains a living instrument—capable of honoring centuries of tradition while continually discovering new voices, new harmonies, and new paths forward.
Based on a Press Release