music
Almost all of Carlos Brito Dias’s works spring from a sense of unease. They represent a time, a place, a specific struggle, a memory or a tribute that the composer carries deep within him. hope (ii), the new piece to be premiered at this concert, also emerges from an almost autobiographical context: an inner search for hope. It is an attempt to reconcile the critical realisation that the world may not improve with the desire to believe. Fears and grey clouds do not vanish; there is no sudden conversion to optimism, nor a romanticised vision of the future. The composer continues to view what lies ahead with suspicion, aware of the fragility of societies, the violence of public discourse and the speed with which everything can crumble. Nevertheless, there is a stubborn need to believe that something may, even so, be reborn. hope (ii) is not a certainty, but a choice to carry on even whilst knowing that the path is uncertain.
A composer and conductor, Carlos Brito Dias explores a wide range of genres, from works for solo instruments and ensembles to large orchestras and electronic music. Currently based in Hong Kong, he holds a PhD in Arts from the University of Antwerp and a Master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. Over the years, he has collaborated with renowned orchestras and ensembles, such as the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, the ensemble recherche and the Linea Ensemble. His works have been recognised internationally at music festivals, notably the selection of was birgst du so bang dein Gesicht? for the ISCM World Music Days 2024 in the Faroe Islands.
supported by portuguese republic – culture, youth and sports / general direction of the arts. portuguese contemporary art network (rpac). rtcp – network of portuguese theaters and cinemas.
