The Chaves Academy of Arts Wind Orchestra — 2022 World Champion — represents Portugal in the 2026 World Music Contest. Help us get there.
Thank You!
There are stories that belong to everyone. This is one of them. The Chaves Academy of Arts Wind Orchestra was born 18 years ago in Chaves, in the heart of Alto Tâmega and Barroso, in the interior of Portugal. It grew from young people who believed, from teachers who gave their all, from a community that bet on music as a path to the future. In 2022, we went to the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands, the most prestigious world competition for wind bands and orchestras, and we returned as World Champions. In 2026, we return. Guests of honor. With 100 musicians. With the same soul.
▸ WHY WE NEED YOU The mission is enormous. 120 people, including musicians, technicians, and collaborators, are traveling to the Netherlands. Transportation, accommodation, food, instrument transport. Every expense is real. Every euro counts. We have the support of partners and institutions, but we are in the final stretch and still need to secure funding for this trip. We're not asking you to be a hero. We're asking you to be part of this story.
▸ WHAT WE ARE BUILDING This project is not just a competition. It is an affirmation that the interior of Portugal has talent, a future, and a voice. It is also "Interior Sonoro — the Restlessness of Colors": three original works commissioned from three renowned composers, inspired by the 2000-year history of Chaves and the aesthetics of Nadir Afonso. New music, created here, for the whole world to hear.
▸ WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SUPPORT? Every contribution goes directly towards the expenses of this mission. It goes towards the travel of the musicians who will take to the most demanding stage in the world to represent Portugal. If the campaign exceeds its goal, the extra amount reinforces the artistic preparation fund and supports musicians with the greatest economic difficulties.
▸ WHY IT'S WORTH IT Because for 18 years this orchestra has proven that it's possible. Because these young people deserve to get there. Because this story can also have your name. Support. Share. Be a part of this. Let's go with heart.
About the author
The Chaves Academy of Arts Wind Orchestra was founded in October 2008 as part of the Basic Music Course curriculum at the Chaves Academy of Arts, within the Ensemble Class discipline. Composed of approximately 20 students, it arose from the need to bring together young musicians from the region's philharmonic bands into a group that would allow them to develop both in terms of specific ensemble music skills and in terms of the indirect development of the groups to which they belonged.
The need to develop a musical environment with recognized difficulties in accessing specialized music education was the driving force behind this project. Quickly, and as a result of the implemented project, the scope of the work evolved from a purely pedagogical character to a posture of artistic and cultural development within the surrounding community itself, beginning to integrate young musicians from other places and institutions, going beyond its curricular essence to establish itself as a representative group of a region.
Currently, the Chaves Academy of Arts Wind Orchestra comprises approximately 90 young musicians from the northern region of Portugal, bringing together musicians with diverse musical experiences and at different stages of their artistic development into a unique group. It regularly performs in concert and has participated in various events, both in band competitions and festivals. Beyond serving as a space for musical and artistic development (both individual and collective), its internationally recognized quality makes it one of the most vibrant and prestigious wind orchestras today, a fact reflected in the numerous accolades and awards it has received. It has developed a strong focus on repertoire development, both through commissions of new music and through the various premieres of new music it has performed throughout its existence.
The Wind Orchestra holds annual concert seasons with intense artistic activity, performing in concerts, festivals and competitions on the most prestigious stages in Portugal and abroad. It has accompanied some of the most outstanding international soloists, such as Florent Héau (FR), Nuno Pinto (PT) and Jorge Almeida (PT).
Budget and due dates
The overall budget is currently at 65,724 euros.
The PPL campaign has a clear and honest goal: to raise €6,500, which corresponds to 34% of the accommodation and food budget — €19,000 in total — the most humane and essential of all expenses.
The remaining funding is being secured through institutional sponsorships, private support, orchestra concerts, and other work carried out by the team and production (still under development). PPL is a direct appeal to the people—to those who believe this story deserves to be told.
WEEK 1 — LAUNCH
🎯 Goal: €2,000 (31% of total)
WEEK 2 — AMPLIFICATION
Musicians' stories
🎯 Cumulative goal: €3,500 (54%)
WEEK 3 — MIDDLE OF THE CAMPAIGN
Reinforcement and public balance
🎯 Cumulative goal: €4,500 (69%)
WEEK 4 — SECOND WAVE
🎯 Cumulative goal: €5,500 (85%)
WEEK 5 — EMERGENCY
🎯 Cumulative goal: €6,000 (92%)
WEEK 6 — FINAL STRETCH
Last 48 hours — final sprint
🎯 Final goal: €6,500 ✅
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