Social Program

 

 

Participants are cordially invited to special events that will be organised in the evening during the week of the conference. 

> Monday, 2 October at 6:45 pm 
Welcome Cocktail Reception at the Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum) in Lisbon's Historic Belém Quarter 

The conference's welcome cocktail reception, hosted by His Excellency the Minister of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Pedro Silva Pereira, will be held at one of the most visited museums in Portugal and certainly of Lisbon, the Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum). The National Coach Museum houses and exhibits, in the exquisite ambiance of the old Royal Riding Arena of Belém Palace, an exceptional collection of ceremonial vehicles from the Royal family, dating from 17th Century to late19th Century. Considered the most remarkable collection of this kind in the world, it allows the visitor to follow both the technical evolution of animal pulled transport and the changes of taste expressed in the decorative arts and vehicle ornaments. 

Special honoured speakers will include: 

Mr. Charles Buchanan, President of Metropolis Portugal and Director of the Luso-American Foundation (FLAD) 
Mr. Howard Duncan, Co-Chair of the International Metropolis Project 
Mr. António Carmona Rodrigues, Mayor of the City of Lisbon 
Mr. Pedro Silva Pereira, Minister of the Council of Ministers 

Cocktails will be served following the opening ceremony. Following this event, conference participants will then have the opportunity to explore the Belém Quarter's many historic monuments and fine restaurants as night falls on the city. Belém is linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries as the site where the famous navigators set sail to discover the world. Today it is home to many gardens, parks and monuments that are well worth a visit. Amongst Belém’s attractions are the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Torre de Belém, the Belém Cultural Centre and Rua Vieira Portuense. Don't forget to try one (or two!) of the world-famous Pastéis de Belém! 

Located at: Museu Nacional dos Coches, Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, Belém (Lisboa). Transport to the event will be available to conference participants and will leave from Culturgest (the main conference venue) at 6:30 pm. The museum can also be reached by public transport: Buses 14, 27, 28, 29, 43, 49, 51 and Tram E15. Visit the Museu Nacional dos Coches website and the Lisbon Tourism website for more information.


> Tuesday, 3 October at 9 pm 
Evening of Fado and Portuguese Music at Trindade Theatre in the Bairro Alto / Chiado Quarter

Conference participants will have the opportunity to get a taste of the range of music Portugal has to offeron the evening of Tuesday, 3 October, at the Trindade Theatre, located in the lively, bohemian Bairro Alto and Chiado quarters of Lisbon. Talented fado singer, Katia Guerreiro, will take to the stage followed by the versatile voices of the duo Maria João and Mário Lajinha. 

The South African-born Portuguese fado singer Katia Guerreiro released her first album, Fado Maior, in 2001. In 2006, Guerreiro released third album, Tudo ou Nada, which includes music set to the words of famous Portuguese poets like Sofia de Mello Breyner, Vinicius de Moraes and Lobo Antunes. Maria João, began her career at Lisbon's famous Hot Club jazz school and is known for her eclectic mix of ethnic music, modern jazz and avant-garde music. Her first album, Sol, came out in 1991. Her most recent album, Undercovers (2002), does a new take on music as varied as Björk, Caetano Veloso, Joni Mitchell, Alejandro Sanz and Tom Waits. Mário Laginha, piano player and composer, is among Portugal's most creative contemporary jazz musicians. His first album, Ao Encontro, was released in the early 1980s and he recently launched a solo album, Canções e Fugas, in early 2006. 

Located at: Teatro Trindade, Largo da Trindade, 7a, Bairro Alto / Chiado (Lisboa). The theatre can be reached by public transport: Metro station Baixa-Chiado (Green and Blue lines) and Buses 58 and 100. Visit the Teatro Trindade website for more information.



> Wednesday, 4 October at 9:30 pm 
Organ Concert at the Sé (Lisbon Cathedral) in the Alfama Quarter

Conference participants are invited to a special musical evening to be held at Lisbon's beautiful 12th century cathedral, a national historic landmarkthat was built by the first king of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques. A selection of works by Bach, Bohm, Seixas, da Conceição, Frescobaldi, Couperin and Correa de Arauxo will be played on the Sé's 18th century organ by classical organist Nuno Oliveira. This is also a wonderful opportunity to get to know one of Lisbon's most charming quarters, Alfama. 

Located at: Sé de Lisboa, Largo da Sé, Alfama (Lisboa). The cathedral can be reached by public transport: Bus 37 and Trams E12 and E28. Visit the Lisbon Tourism website for more information.


> Thursday, 5 October at 8 pm 
Closing Dinner at the Estufa Fria (Conservatory) in Parque Eduardo VII

The conference's closing dinner, hosted by the City of Lisbon, will be held at the Estufa Fria (Conservatory) located in Parque Eduardo VII in downtown Lisbon. Opened in 1933, the verdant Estufa Fria's grounds are spread over one hectare and harbour various greenhouses and other natural environments for a rich variety of temperate and tropical plants. Following a speech by the City of Lisbon's Mayor, Mr. António Carmona Rodrigues, a buffet dinner will be served.

Located at: Estufa Fria, Parque Eduardo VII, Lisboa. Transport to and from the event will be available to conference participants and will leave from Culturgest (the main conference venue) at 7:45 pm, arriving at the Estufa Fria at 8 pm. However, the Estufa Fria can also be reached by public transport: Buses 1, 2, 11, 12, 20, 22, 31, 36, 44, 45, 48 and Metro stations Parque (Blue line) and Marquês de Pombal (Yellow and Blue lines). 

Edited by: Paralelo 38 @ 25-08-2006 - 10H25