Égide – Associação Portuguesa das Artes is an organization dedicated to promoting, valuing, and advocating for the arts in Portugal, bringing together professionals and institutions from various cultural fields. Its mission is to strengthen the arts sector, encourage contemporary creation, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable cultural policies. Through initiatives, research, and advocacy actions, Égide plays an active role in supporting and representing the arts within the national landscape.
What first moved you about opera?
I don’t remember exactly—it was a long time ago. But since I started listening to opera at a very young age, it was probably the enthusiasm with which my father spoke about every detail—the voices, the casts, the stories. That sense of fascination was certainly decisive.
How do you feel about contributing to the beginning of an artistic career?
I feel honoured and very happy to be able to contribute to the beginning of a career. It is a decisive moment in an artist’s life, and being part of that journey is deeply rewarding.
What impact do you think an international competition like Cascais Opera can have on culture in Portugal?
The impact of Cascais Opera on culture in Portugal can be very significant. It helps encourage the emergence of new singing students and, in the long term, contributes to creating the conditions for opera productions with predominantly Portuguese artistic teams. At the same time, it provides an incentive for young people to pursue music studies in Portugal, knowing they have access to an international competition in their own country.
What legacy would you like this partnership to leave?
The legacy of the Égide Prize is important, as it recognises and rewards the effort of artists. Beyond that, we hope to contribute to strengthening a tradition of opera competitions, encouraging more and more young people to take part. The aim is also to support the development of a more stable operatic landscape in Portugal, with more staged productions, greater visibility, and more opportunities for artists.
