Simão Viegas (flute) with the Orquestra do Algarve

On March 23, 2025, our former student Simão Viegas achieved an important milestone in his career by performing for the first time as a soloist with a professional orchestra. Winner of the Orquestra do Algarve award at the IV Francisco Rosado Internal Competition in 2024, it was with this orchestra that he performed the first movement of the demanding Concerto for Flute and Orchestra by composer J. Ibert.

The Cineteatro Louletano (Loulé) and the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium (Lagoa), packed, witnessed the enthusiasm of the audience who fervently applauded two high-quality performances. The Conservatory, his home, is also proud of Simão's journey, wishing him all the best for his future.

Stemming from the good relations between both institutions, the Orquestra do Algarve Prize, in the Francisco Rosado Internal Competition, arises within the scope of the partnership protocol signed between the Associação Musical do Algarve and the Conservatório de Música de Loulé - Francisco Rosado, in November 2023. The 5th edition of the Internal Competition is currently underway, and it won't be long until we discover who the next laureate will be.

Photographs by Patrícia Luz (Orquestra do Algarve)