The choir's first performance is scheduled for 20 December 2026, alongside the Orquestra Internacional do Algarve, conducted by Peter Fudge, at a Christmas Solidarity Concert organised by the Rotary Club de Portimão and promoted by Rotary clubs in the region, with the support of the Município de Lagoa, at the Centro de Congressos de Lagoa.

Part of the proceeds from this solidarity concert will go to a charity in the Lagoa municipality.

About the Algarve International Choir

The Algarve International Choir is a regional choir with a solidarity mission, open to adult singers and young people over 12 years of age of all nationalities — resident or visiting the Algarve. Participants are not remunerated; the choir's purpose is entirely solidarity-based and community-driven.

The repertoire will consist primarily of English Christmas songs, arranged for orchestral performance.

The choir will be directed by Maria Saramago, a choral conductor and singing teacher trained at the Lisbon School of Music with extensive experience in choral groups and music conservatoires throughout Portugal. Maria Saramago has also directed the Coral Ideias do Levante since September 2021.

Requirements and admission process

Choral singing experience and good pitch are essential. The ability to read music is welcome but not required. Maria Saramago will select the candidates who can best contribute to the project.

Presentation meeting

Interested singers are invited to attend the project presentation meeting on 11 September 2026 at 5:00 PM, at Room 15 of CEFLA — Centro de Estudos e Formação de Lagoa, Algarve.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are planned to begin in September 2026, most likely on Saturdays at 5:00 PM (schedule to be confirmed based on participants' availability), at Room 15 of CEFLA, in Lagoa.

Information and registration

Artistic director: Maria Saramago · +351 929 491 116
More information and interest form: https://choir.myalgarve.info
Concert: 20 December 2026 · Centro de Congressos de Lagoa
Concert organisation: Rotary Clube Praia da Rocha, with the support of the Município de Lagoa

Ideias do Levante — Cultural Association is a non-profit organisation based in Lagoa, Algarve, active since 1995 in the fields of theatre, music, dance and wellbeing. More information at https://www.ideiasdolevante.info