The Oliveira Musical Band (BMO), from Barcelos, will present on November 23 the album “Ecos do Caminho – uma jornada musical pelo Caminho de Santiago” (“Echoes of the way – a musical journey along the Camino de Santiago”), a project that combines contemporary creation and Jacobean tradition. The launch concert will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the São Bento Menni Auditorium, with free admission. The project reflects the connection between art, heritage, and spirituality and has the support of the Municipality of Barcelos and the Direção-Geral das Artes (Portuguese Directorate for the Arts).
The work results from a collaboration between BMO and six renowned composers – Andrés Alvarez, Anne Victorino d’Almeida, Daniel Amaro, Francisco Ribeiro, Nuno Lobo, and Thierry Deleruyelle – who created original pieces inspired by the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. Under the artistic direction of conductor Alfredo Macedo, the project took place over the course of a year, involving visits by the composers to locations along the Camino, rehearsals with the band, and the final recording of the works.
The album includes six distinct compositions: “Codex Calixtinus” by Andrés Alvarez, recreating the universe of the famous medieval manuscript; “O Peregrino” (The Pilgrim) by Anne Victorino d’Almeida, reflecting the author’s personal experience on the Camino; “Sonhos do Caminho” (Dreams of the Camino) by Daniel Amaro, translating the imagination of the pilgrimage; “A Família que passa” (The passing family) by Francisco Ribeiro, evoking the communities that welcome pilgrims; “Rasto de gente que vai” (Trace of those who go) by Nuno Lobo, born from the memory of a family pilgrimage; and “Compostela – The Camino of St. James” by Thierry Deleruyelle, describing the route along the French Camino.
Available on digital platforms starting November 14 and in physical format on the day of the presentation, the album represents, according to BMO’s leadership, a moment of affirmation and renewal. President José Macedo considers that the project “reflects the identity, dedication, and unity of the musicians,” while coordinator Fábio Loureiro describes it as “a link between tradition and innovation, symbolizing the vitality of a band with 243 years of history”.
