This musical group was born in March/86 by the work of three teachers from Porto with similar experiences in Orff's methods of active music pedagogy and elementary music. It embodies the idea of a traditional classical orchestra in a school's dimension.

Its sound uniqueness represents the colours and timbres of the "Orff" instruments, in a large scale, plus the traditional string and wind instruments. The 130 elements of this orchestra study in different music schools in Porto and surroundings, and their ages range from 9 to 22 years old. Of course most of them prefer to study in our own music school.

In its history it accounts for more than 200 concerts around Portugal and, since 1993, has performed around Europe in several tours through Czeck Republic, Germany, Holland, and Sweden.

This orchestra is the public image of INSTITUTO ORFF DO PORTO which is a non profitable association born under a cultural and independent view of education. These principles are equally applied to the music school which trains around 180 children from 4 to 16 years old.

Within the large group, two different formations are recognized: the Ensemble, and the Percussion Group. With specially dedicated repertoire, these two groups give the possibility to perform in different rooms, and to different publics, from small studio rooms to large concert halls, from general audiences to young children in basic schools.

Our comprehensive repertoire intends to bring people, in a simple yet an effective way, into the universality of the musical language through its major composers and is mainly based on dutch Pierre Van Hauwe's compositions and adaptations to this kind of group.

From ancient music to contemporary composers, also giving room to classical, pop, rock or jazz styles, all languages are effective and possible to this orchestra.

We appreciate any and all comments you may have regarding.
Feel free to tell us anything - we are listening!!...