Banda Lira Portuguesa de Brampton
since 1976
Banda Lira Portuguesa de Brampton, originally named Banda Nossa Senhora de Fatima, was founded in 1976 by a group of musicians and music enthusiasts, all immigrants from the island of São Miguel, Açores. The name was soon changed to 'Banda Lira Portuguesa de Brampton' in recognition of the great Portuguese community in the city of Brampton, Ontario.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of its members and supporters over the years, this band continues to maintain a high level of prestige within the community and is very proud of its home, located in the northern part of the city and adjacent to the "Portuguese Cultural Centre", where they hold rehearsals and other social gatherings.
Banda Lira Portuguesa de Brampton is made up of approximately 60 members between the ages of 8 and 70, most of whom are a part of the younger generation.
Along with its original conductor, Antonio da Silva Moreira, BLPB continues to perform extensively in festivals throughout the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, Canada. They have also made several trips to São Miguel, Açores - in 1989, 2000 and 2010 - performing in various locations around the island, and have taken part in the great feast of "Divino Espírito Santo" in New England, U.S.A. several times.
The band has recorded three albums. The first was released in 1983, the second in 1999 and the latest in 2011, including some original pieces by conductor Antonio da Silva Moreira and band members Steve Torres and Dinis Tavares. These recordings were made possible thanks to the devotion of all its musicians, directors and conductor.
Aside from these and many other significant moments in its history, the principal goal of this band is to continue to promote an appreciation for the Azorean heritage through the art of Music, passing on to the Luso-Canadian youth, traditions for which they should be extremely proud.
