Banda Lira de Fátima

Founding Date:1973
Address: 181 Austin Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2W 3M7
Telephone:204 942-3794

THE FILARMÓNICA OF THE PORTUGUESE COMMUNITY IN WINNIPEG

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This article is based on a piece written by Agostinho Bairos, former Community Consultant for the Multiculturalism Secretariat of Alberta

Banda Lira de Fátima is the only filarmónica in the Portuguese community of Winnipeg. It was founded in 1973 by a group of people who had either been part of similar musical groups in Portugal or who had a passion for music. This group was very dedicated to the church and regularly attended masses celebrated by Father Pedro Fernandes, the first to serve the community in the city, at the Immaculate Conception Parish.

Father Pedro Fernandes not only approved the idea but also lent his unconditional support, along with the community. Excitement grew around the band, and it soon was able to receive financial assistance from the congregation to purchase instruments and the musician’s uniforms.

Its first ever performance occurred at the celebration of Our Lady of Fatima, in Winnipeg. Since then, it has traveled to several cities in Canada and the United States of America. It is a regular at the events promoted by the local community and by the parish, including the festivities of Divino Espírito Santo and Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. The band maintains a great working relationship with all the Portuguese community organizations in the city and is a regular guest at their events. It is also often invited to perform at events promoted by the general community of Winnipeg.

Band members wait to perform (image from the Immaculate Conception Parish Facebook page)

In 1977, the band began rehearsing at the Portuguese Association of Manitoba’s headquarters twice a week and, in 2013, it started holding its annual events at the Portugal Cultural Centre. In 2010, the band received a donation from the Portuguese Association. Both organizations maintain a great relationship. Currently, it continues to practice at the Immaculate Conception Church.

The band proudly hosts music classes for young men and women who show interest in learning an instrument. These students eventually join the band.

The first conductor was the late Manuel Soares, who also composed the band’s anthem. Currently, the band is led by Maestrina Maria Dias Carreiro.

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