The Regional Government has invested an annual average of  about half a million Euros in philharmonic bands over the past 10 years, revealed the Regional Secretary for Education, Science and Culture today in Horta.

Speaking at a debate on a draft law on the support to the activities developed by philharmonic bands in the archipelago, Luiz Fagundes Duarte stressed that these support measures are intended to "enhance and promote" these cultural institutions. Philharmonic bands "are probably one of the oldest and stable institutions that have played a vital role the cultural and social life" of the archipelago, with special emphasis on rural areas.

"Our philharmonic bands - many of which were established in the 19th century - have long been true civic schools, where the youngsters who did not have the chance of attending school were taught to read and write and where the values of democracy were instilled," highlighted Luiz Fagundes Duarte.

Furthermore, the Regional Secretary pointed out the ability of Azorean philharmonic bands of remaining attractive to school-aged youngsters, which justifies the reason for being "supported and acknowledged."

The recognition of the important role played by these institutions in the regional socio-cultural context is evidenced in the support awarded to philharmonic bands by several governments in the purchase of musical instruments and uniforms, the construction or renewal of their headquarters, operation of music schools and the training of musicians and conductors, said the Regional Secretary.

However, Luiz Duarte said that any relation between the Government and philharmonic bands as well as with other cultural agents should be "based on the principle of respect for independence," which he considered to be a "necessary condition for the freedom of creation and action."

These support measures should be subject to "a series of differentiating conditions that should recognise merit, encourage creativity, promote dynamics and interactivity so that the philharmonic bands that are doing a good work may feel valued and rewarded and those that are in worse conditions may feel motivated to improve," said the government official.

In this context, the Regional Government has supported the parliamentary initiative to support philharmonic bands that was unanimously approved by the Legislative Assembly today. Currently, a series of "systematic and comprehensive" proposals addressed at all entities in the area of popular culture are under public discussion," stressed Luiz Fagundes Duarte.