Cascais Ópera – International Vocal Competition has officially joined the Amazon Creative Corridor, an innovative network that brings together culture, sustainability, and economic development through the arts. The partnership was formalized on April 16 during the 26th edition of the Amazonas Opera Festival (FAO) in Manaus, Brazil, in a meeting marked by the signing of new international cooperation agreements.
This Portuguese-Brazilian collaboration is part of a shared vision to strengthen the creative economy as a driver of social and environmental transformation. Representing Portugal, Cascais Ópera becomes a strategic partner of this international network, taking on the role of ambassador for the Amazon Creative Corridor in the country. It also establishes a connection with one of the most important opera festivals in Latin America, reinforcing its mission to support emerging opera voices and to promote opera as a global art form — accessible and in tune with contemporary challenges.
As the first joint initiative, the launch of the Carlos Gomes Prize was announced — an award that will be presented during the Final of the 2nd edition of Cascais Ópera in 2025. The winner will be offered a contract to perform at the following edition of the FAO.
More than a tribute, this prize celebrates the legacy of Carlos Gomes — the most prominent opera composer of the Americas in the 19th century. Born in Campinas, Brazil, Gomes conquered European stages and earned recognition from figures such as Giuseppe Verdi, becoming a symbol of excellence and innovation in the operatic world. His visionary spirit inspires this partnership, which seeks to honour history while building the future of opera.
“Cascais Ópera believes that artistic creation can be a powerful tool for human and territorial development. This alliance with the Amazon Creative Corridor enables young artists to enter an international circuit of excellence, while also strengthening Portugal’s presence in cultural networks committed to sustainability and cooperation,” says Alexandra Maurício, General Director of the competition.
The participation of Cascais Ópera in this ecosystem reinforces its role as a reference platform for operatic singing and highlights Cascais as a territory of culture, innovation, and international projection.
Cascais Ópera – Where the future of opera begins.
