Orquestra do Algarve, established 11 years ago, is to change its name as from September 1 to Orquestra Clássica do SUL (OCS) in a bid to broaden its horizons in the European music world.
The change springs from a desire to find new partnerships and venues for the orchestra’s performance calendar, according to maestro and artistic director Cesário Costa, who said there has been considerable interest from municipal authorities in the Setúbal and Alentejo regions, as well as from the south of Spain.
The orchestra, which currently has 27 members, will have a total of 31 musicians from September.
Founded in 2002 by Turismo do Algarve, the University of the Algarve and various municipalities under a special programme developed by the then Ministry of Culture, Orquestra do Algarve has already played at prestigious venues in London, Brussels and Vienna.
Its last performance under its original name took place in Espaço C, Faro, on August 27, following a concert last Saturday in Ayamonte, Spain.
