In the heart of Lagos, the rich tapestry of music comes alive through the spirited performances of the Orquestra Ligeira de Lagos (OLL). As the orchestra celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we reflect on a journey driven by a shared passion for music that transcends borders and cultures.
Founded in 2015, by the visionary President Rita Rodrigues, what began as a humble gathering of family members has blossomed into a vibrant 30-piece orchestra. Rita describes the OLL as a “true reflection of our city, a mosaic of nationalities coming together”. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the orchestra, where musicians hail from Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, Argentina, Ukraine, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Under the dynamic musical direction of Nestor Diaz, the OLL offers a diverse repertoire that spans popular music, jazz, Latin, rock and light classical pieces. The orchestra’s setup is notably flexible, allowing it to adapt to various venues and occasions. From the full Big Band to the more intimate Big Band Small, OLL caters to all musical preferences, ensuring that no audience leaves untouched by the magic of music.
Among the ensemble’s standout groups are the Duo Bom Balanço, which fuses jazz and Latin rhythms, and the Lagos Bossa Trio, dedicated to celebrating the allure of bossa nova and Brazilian music. Additionally, the orchestra’s distinguished brass band brings festive cheer to local Christmas celebrations and lively roaming performances.
A highlight of this anniversary year was the special concert Vozes da Liberdade (Voices of Freedom) on 25 April commemorating the Carnation Revolution. This powerful concert evoked the spirit of resistance, hope and the universal yearning for freedom, reminding attendees of the transformative power of music as an agent of change.
Over the last year alone, the OLL has graced approximately 40 public events, including the beloved marchas populares at the Portuguese Festival, demonstrating its vital role in the cultural landscape of Lagos. In collaboration with Clube Artistico Lacobrigense, the musicians have composed numerous pieces for local festivities, further entrenching the orchestra in the community’s artistic heartbeat.
We can applaud the Orquestra Ligeira de Lagos for its dedicated service to the arts and look forward to many more harmonious years of shared musical experiences in our vibrant Algarve community.
As the orchestra embarks on its next decade, additional funding remains essential to fuel new projects and ensure the ongoing success of this community treasure.
Membership is open to those wishing to support the OLL’s mission and contribute to its artistic legacy; interested individuals can reach out at orchestraligeiralagos@gmail.com
