Mozart makes a hit in the Lima valley

Opera Faber’s production of Le Nozze di Figaro filled Teatro Diogo Bernardes in Ponte de Lima to the roof. The President of the Republic and Mrs Maria Cavaco Silva and their entourage came on July 18 and all five performances brought visitors from Lisbon, Porto, Braga and other cities in Portugal. Spanish, German, Austrian, Danish, English, Dutch and Canadian tourists expressed their surprise and delight at finding such a high quality, professional production in rural Portugal.

The production formed the central part of the annual Festival of Opera and Classical Music which was held between 12th and 26th July. As in previous years the chamber concerts given by the London Bridge Ensemble were well received. The festival programme also included recitals, a children’s concert and a choral concert by a visiting choir from England.