The President of the Government of the Azores welcomed the Banda Lira Portuguesa de Brampton, Canada, at the Sant’Ana Palace on Thursday. Carlos César reiterated the importance of the ties that bring the Azores closer to the emigrant communities, particularly in Canada. “More than a relation between the Region and a country or, countries, these are ties between Azoreans, who are often attached by family ties on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The Banda Lira Portuguesa was welcomed by Carlos César and his wife, Luísa César, by the main entrance of the Palace. The President considered that the Sant’Ana Palace, being the headquarters of the Presidency of the Azores, is “the home of all Azoreans, of those living here as well as of those living in our emigrant communities.”
The Band performed a march and its Board exchanged compliments, offering a plaque of honour. In turn, the President of the Government offered a plaque to the President of the Board. Moreover, 75 CDs titled “O cantar que nos embala” by the Musical Group – Belaurora - were offered to the members of the Band as well as a pin of the Flag of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
The Banda Lira Portuguesa de Brampton arrived on São Miguel on August 14 and will stay on island until August 30 to perform in the festivities of Água de Pau, Vila Franca do Campo and Ribeira Seca da Ribeira Grande. In addition, the Band will also perform in a concert to take place in Ponta Delgada. It is composed by 70 members and by a Board made up of six members, chaired by Fernando Ferreira.