Unanimous Praiense Philharmonic Society

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Community Centre

District: Açores > Horta > Praia do Almoxarife > Ramada

Location

The Sociedade Filarmónica Unânime Praiense is located in the village of Praia do Almoxarife, a coastal and picturesque area on the island of Faial, in the municipality of Horta. Its premises, situated in the Ramada area, are at the heart of this community, reflecting the institution's strong connection to the parish's cultural life. Praia do Almoxarife is known for its coastal landscape, providing a unique natural setting.

A Centenarian Musical Heritage

Founded on October 3, 1881, the Sociedade Filarmónica Unânime Praiense is a pillar of Faial's musical culture, emerging from a period of great cultural effervescence on the island. Its creation is due to the vision of Canon Silva Reis, then local parish priest, who initiated this remarkable musical journey. From the outset, with conductor João António and his 16 musicians, the philharmonic assumed a central role in the community's life, accompanying the procession of Senhora do Rosário, its patroness.

Throughout its history, the institution has demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming challenges, such as the temporary split of musicians that led to the formation of a second philharmonic, the "Recreio Praiense." However, the wisdom of parish priest Silva Reis allowed for reconciliation and the musicians' return, strengthening the Unânime Praiense and consolidating its unifying role in the parish.

Prestige and Recognition

The trajectory of the Sociedade Filarmónica Unânime Praiense is marked by moments of great distinction, which attest to its artistic quality and dedication. A highlight in its journey occurred in 1959 and 1960, when it achieved 2nd National Place in the "I Grande Concurso Nacional de Filarmónicas e Bandas Civis" (1st National Contest of Philharmonic and Civil Bands), an achievement that brought great pride to the Faialense community and proved its high musical level.

This recognition also resulted from periods of renewal and improvement, such as that which occurred in 1930, under the influence of the outstanding clarinetist Manuel Veríssimo dos Santos, who returned from the United States of America with top-tier musical training, having been a professional in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His contribution was crucial in raising the band's musical standards, training new talents, and introducing classical works to the Azorean public. The philharmonic's visibility extended beyond its borders, with exchanges and performances in Germany, Brazil, and Uruguay, and a strong connection to Faialense emigrant communities in the USA, reinforcing its status as a cultural ambassador for Faial.

Artistic Dynamism

In addition to its main philharmonic band, the Sociedade Filarmónica Unânime Praiense is distinguished by the diversity of its musical expressions and its active role in the cultural life of Praia do Almoxarife. The institution hosts an active Tuna, Brass Ensembles, Saxophone and Clarinet Ensembles, and a vibrant Dixie Band, dedicated to New Orleans rhythms, which has captivated audiences in various shows, including the popular Semana do Mar (Sea Week).

Following the 1998 earthquake, which affected part of the island of Faial, the Society demonstrated a remarkable spirit of resilience, undertaking the reconstruction and expansion of its headquarters, a space that is projected to be even more open to the community, dedicated to art and culture. This venue not only serves as a stage for its various musical groups but has also hosted, over the years, theater and cinema performances, dance evenings, and social gatherings, consolidating its function as a dynamic center for the parish's associative life.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt