Guimarães lays out an array of events in celebration of its title of European Capital of Culture 2012
Tuesday, 21 February 2012 17:16
Guimarães lays out an array of events in celebration of its title of European Capital of Culture 2012
This year the northern Portuguese city of Guimarães will be the European Capital of Culture. Located just 50 kilometers north east of Porto and serviced by a direct train link from Porto, Guimarães plans to host a major gathering of creators and creations: with music, cinema, photography, fine arts, architecture, literature, theatre, dance, street art and more.Here is a list of the year’s key events;
Performance by the Emerson String Quartet – 18th May 2012
Set to take place at the Centro Cultural Vila Flor’s Grand Auditorium, the Emerson String Quartet is one of the most highly-praised quartets in the world and will play a one off concert in Guimarães. With a career spanning more than 30 years, countless recordings and nine Grammy Awards for Best Classical Album, the quartet plan a special performance for the guests and residents of the city.
Alexandre Desplat in Concert – 26th to 27th May 2012
Famed for producing music scores and soundtracks for films such as Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, Jacques Audiard’s The Beat that my Heart Skipped and Stephen Frears’ The Queen, four-time Oscar nominated French composer Alexandre Desplat will showcase some of his best work at the Centro Cultural Vila Flor’s Grand Auditorium. He will also be accompanied by a group of noteworthy musicians, making for a memorable concert.
The Gil Vicente Festival - 1st to 17th June 2012
A magnificent theatre festival that takes place in the grand auditorium of the Centro Cultural Vila Flora, the Gil Vicente Festival is an annual occurrence in Guimarães, however this year a number of exceptional performances are planned. The winner of the Raúl Brandão (Portuguese poet) competition is tipped to perform along with a one-of-a-kind marathon reciting of the Lusíadas, featuring the participation of a choir of local residents. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the musical stage show of marionettes and music by the Foundation Studio Orchestra.
Cesena Dance Performance – 16th June 2012
Directed by Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker and Björn Schmelzer, the Cesena theatrical dance performance is inspired by the colours and sounds of the break of dawn and includes the vocal expertise of ensemble Grandelavoix, shared on stage with 19 dancers. The performance will blend ancient music with the ars subtilior style characteristic of 14th Century southern France. This performance also sees collaboration between Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker and Ann Veronica Janssens.
Noite Branca/The White Night – 7th July 2012
Noite Branca is an all night long street event that sees the city come alive with several concerts, exhibitions and performances taking place in Guimarães. Taking place in many of the public spaces, the event will create a spotlight on the arts and is designed to not only involve residents from Guimarães and the surrounding area, but also tourists visiting the city.
Performance by Ute Lemper - 28th July 2012
One of the last remaining European divas famed for her German and French cabaret song, Ute Lemper will be performing with the Foundation Studio Orchestra at the Plataforma das Artes. The performance will bring together her impeccable charm, sultry voice, withering glance and elegant posture, in a performance exploring the repertory of the German Cabaret.
Feira Afonsina / King Afonso’s Fair – 14th to 16th September 2012
The Afonso fair brings to life the city, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience Guimarães in the 16th Century. The festival has been transformed for 2012, bringing a modern twist to this traditional festival. Tourists will have the chance to visit stalls offering a range of cuisine, watch performances by street acts and revel in the transformation of the city.
