History of the Symphonic Band

In accordance with the elements found at this centennial association archives, the oldest musical one in town, it is not easy to confirm the exact date of its foundation but, as per diverse testimonies, it was founded in 1834.

Not always its survival has been easy and it has been possible thanks to the enthusiasm and self-sacrifice of several generations of citizens from Aveiro, who fought and sacrificed for love and devotion to music, the best of all arts. Only in this way, the Banda Amizade - Banda Sinfónica de Aveiro, also known as "Música Velha", has reached our time.

Throughout its history, it is worth noting diverse important figures: Joäo Miranda, Vasco Rocha, António Limas and his sons José and Ricardo, Américo Amaral, Duarte Gravato, Duarte Neves, Armando Matos and, presently, Carlos Marques. Aveiro has these people to thank for all their teachings and the values transmitted to diverse generations, as well as their dignity at representing the town of Aveiro, both at their country and abroad, where they reached important awards.

Other inhabitants of Aveiro who loved music and fought to keep alive the flame, and we had to mention, are: Amadeu Trindade de Freire (or Amadeu Couceiro), Manuel Moreira Duarte (or Manel dos Jornais), Elmano Martins Pereira, and presently Cerveira da Silva, among others who deserve our respect and admiration too.

Throughout its history, Banda Amizade - Banda Sinfónica de Aveiro has performed in many parts of the country and abroad: in 1969, Popular Music Festival, promoted by INATEL, in 1979, in 1984, etc.

Awards:
1960 - 3rd prize in its section of the First Great National Philharmonic and Civilian Music Band Contest, promoted by FNAT, Portugal;
1984 - 2nd prize (the 1st prize wasn't awarded) in the VI Internationale Musik Wettspiele Prize der Nationens in Büdingen, Germany;
1985 - 1st prize in the 2nd section of the EDP Music Band Festival, Portugal;
1990 - 2nd prize in its section the Göteburg Music Festival, Sweden;
2006 - 3rd prize in the 1st section of the Internacional Valencian Music Bands' Contest, Spain;
2007 - 3rd Prize in the IV International Alginet Music Bands' Contest, Spain;
2008 - 3rd Prize in the II Concert Band Contest - Ateneu Artístico Vila Franquense, Portugal;
2009 - 6th Prize in the 2009 edition of the World Music Contest of Kerkrade, The Netherlands.

By request of the diverse commissions, Banda Amizade - Banda Sinfónica de Aveiro performed at international festivals in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Sweden and Italy. In 2005 it took part at the "City of Valencia" competition and this very same year it performed the closing concert of the first "City of Aveiro" contest.

Banda Amizade - Banda Sinfónica de Aveiro is the greatest exponent of popular culture in Aveiro, and for this reason, it was rewarded with Aveiro's city Silver and Gold Medals.