Santa Catarina Park was the stage tonight for the traditional concert commemorating Madeira Autonomous Region Day and Madeiran Communities Day, promoted by the Regional Government.

The atmosphere was one of great enthusiasm and togetherness, with the public filling the park’s green space from dusk onwards. Families, tourists, and residents came together in a spirit of peaceful celebration, surrounded by the landscape overlooking Funchal Bay and the enveloping sound of music, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere.

The Madeira Classical Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Norberto Gomes and with guest conductor Alberto Roque, presented a special program that combined classical music and jazz, with the participation of the Funchal Jazz Orchestra and singer Sofia Almeida.

Highlights included the national premiere of Wayne Shorter’s ‘Gaia’ and two regional premieres: ‘Crossfade’ by Carlos Azevedo and ‘Alone at Last’ by Bert Joris, with solos by Alexandre Andrade (trumpet) and Vítor Fernandes (saxophone).

In the official ceremonies, the Azores were represented by the President of the Regional Parliament.

In DN-Madeira (photos from the page of the President of the Regional Assembly of the Azores-Eng. Luís Garcia)