The fifth edition of Porto Musical, a music and technology conference and showcase festival in Recife, Brazil,
from 23 to 26 February 2011, confirmed its status as the most important international meeting point for music professionals from Brazil and abroad. In recent years, the event has become an important gateway – first and foremost to the Brazilian music market, but also increasingly to other key markets in South America.
More than 450 professionals attended 26 conference sessions covering 3 key areas: Go Brazil!, Go International! and Go Digital!. The programme offered essential insight into the peculiarities of the local, the South American and international music markets, and today’s tools for music creation, production and marketing.
At night, the pulsating music scene of Pernambuco and other Brazilian states, plus artists from overseas – 14 acts altogether – took centre stage on Praça Arsenal in the lively neighbourhood of Recife Antigo.
Starting with the next edition, Porto Musical will reposition its focus and embrace the whole creative industries sector. “We’ll explore the future relationship between
music and advertising, film, design, fashion etc., their common challenges and prospects,” outlines Melina Hickson, Director of Porto Musical and Fina Produçao.
From now on,
Porto Musical will be held bi-annually – just before the lavish Recife carnival – in the tropical northeast of Brazil, in Pernambuco, affording the opportunity to witness a celebration of local culture at its very best.
Porto Musical is organised by
Fina Produçao, Astronave Iniciativas Culturais and
Porto Digital, in cooperation with
WOMEX.
The next edition of Porto Musical
will take place in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, from 30 January – 2 February 2013 “Porto Musical gave me a great opportunity to
deepen my connection not only to Brazilian music, but to world music in general, deepening existing relationships and building new ones. The showcases in Recife Antigo were made even more electric being able to experience them with the local community as the momentum of Carnival was building.
My experience at Porto Musical will certainly reverberate in future programming.” Bill Bragin (USA), Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
www.portomusical.com 
