COMMUNICATION OF THE ARTISTIC DIRECTION OF THE CONTEST

Dear Sirs

The challenge that has been put to the Board of Ateneu Artístico Vilafranquense in 2005 to hold a contest for amateur wind bands considered to achieve some goals, which would have as main vector the musical components of amateur bands and all aspects associated to them, and would also be able to congregate the population of Vila Franca de Xira, its autarchy, commercial agents of the town and the district, specially those more directly commited to restaurant, hotel and tourism business.

Besides the musical competition spirit that will be present, what we most strongly intend to stimulate is the musical intercourse among bands, as well as to afford a better musical development of the participants, through their effective work which will be stimulated towards this purpose, and also through new musical tendencies of contemporary wind band music.

We intend to dynamize and contribute to a bigger and better source of Portuguese music resources, by ordering new compositional works to Portuguese composers. We also intend to develop a greater involvement between the public and the amateur wind bands and their music, through the development of musical quality by the bands and the development of understanding of the possible musical achievments of amateur wind bands by the public.

A fundamental factor for the success of this initiative will surely be the chance for all the bands and their musicians to enlarge their musical knowledge specially concerning the wind bands through a direct contact with the most diversified materials and instrument building companies as well as musical events throughout the contest period. Also it will be possible for the bands available to perform others concerts, if asked for local authorities and gaurenteed the necessary conditions for the purpose throughout the contest period.

Finally, this contest, which will hopefully take place every two years, always on even numbered years, and as close as possible to May 1st (foundation day in 1891) of Ateneu Artístico Vilafranquense, will hopefully develop, within a short or medium term, into an international event in order to establish cultural relationships and exchanges, as broad as possible, among the participants  thus providing a better and more advantageous exchange of knowledge over the theme: Amateur Wind Bands.

Till then, my musical greetings and best regards to you all.

President of jury
Délio Gonçalves