DGArtes
Banda Musical de Oliveira (BMO) is one of the oldest philharmonic bands in Portugal and the only active one in the municipality of Barcelos. Founded in 1782, it has been honored multiple times for its cultural and educational contributions to the community. Continuing its prolific legacy, the BMO is launching the "Ecos do Caminho [Echoes of the Camino] - A Musical Journey Along the Camino de Santiago" project, which aims to create an original repertoire inspired by the tangible and intangible heritage of the Camino de Santiago.
Throughout its 240 years of activity, BMO has sustained itself through voluntary associations and occasional municipal support. Through its music school, it provides training to many young people, some of whom have gone on to successful international careers. "Ecos do Caminho" is part of a broader professionalization effort that BMO is undertaking to strengthen the institution’s sustainability and enhance the quality of its artistic offerings. This includes promoting new compositions by national composers and incorporating professionals with higher education into its ranks.
This project was selected under the Project Support Programme - Music and Opera, promoted by DGArtes [Portuguese Arts Council] in 2024, and it began at the end of last year.