Based at the Logistics Command Support Unit in Paço de Arcos, the Army Light Orchestra began its activities in 1976, succeeding a military music group created in the then Military Region of Lisbon which, in the early 1970s, caused a sensation on an RDP radio programme – ‘Alerta Está!’. Three years later, it was made official by Decree-Law 133/79 of 17 May to represent the Portuguese Army and collaborate with other branches of the Armed Forces and with civil entities and organisations.

Its structure, in the style of a big band, consists of five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets (flugelhorn), one keyboard, two violas, drums, percussion and three vocalists. Over the years, it has performed regularly in the most prestigious concert halls in the country and with a wide variety of artists and guests from the national and international music scene.

Performing light music compositions, OLE has sought to increase the appreciation of national music, developing for this purpose a work of collection, instrumentation and dissemination of popular themes. Today, it is considered a true ‘ambassador’ of the Portuguese Army to civil and military society, contributing significantly to the affirmation and appreciation of our cultural heritage. In addition, over the years, several composers, orchestrators and arrangers have had a close relationship with OLE, providing it with original and exclusive themes that often give rise to arrangements and orchestrations performed by numerous Portuguese musical groups.

The Army Light Orchestra is in high demand to perform at a wide variety of festive events, giving dozens of performances throughout the year. However, its curriculum is not limited to national borders, having already performed multiple concerts abroad, especially aimed at Portuguese communities and National Forces on deployment, touring France and Andorra as well as the Theatre of Operations in Bosnia, which was an important factor in bringing Portugal closer to its communities (civilian and military) established in those countries, thus helping to reaffirm the image of a developed and modern Portugal.

It has two recordings, the latest of which was recorded during a live performance in the Aula Magna of the University of Lisbon. The Army Light Orchestra has been awarded the Gold Medal for Distinguished Service.

Artistic/Technical Details

Army Light Orchestra

Musical Direction: Chief Ensign of the Military Band Leonardo Elias Diaz Costa

Age Rating

M/6

Duration

105 minutes

Information

Ticket Office: 239 857 191

bilheteira@coimbraconvento.pt

* Admission is free, subject to prior ticket collection (maximum of 4 per person), available at the São Francisco Convent Ticket Office from 28 June, between 3pm and 8pm. Reservations are not accepted. Subject to venue capacity.