Commission to Francisco Lima da Silva

The national youth orchestra of Portugal, Jovem Orquestra Portuguesa, has run a composer-in-residence programme for over a decade, supporting young Portuguese composers as they write new orchestral works. This year’s composer commission was made possible by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.

The 2025 composer-in-residence for the Jovem Orquestra Portuguesa is Francisco Lima da Silva, a Portuguese composer and violinist. His new 10–15-minute work will be based on the concept of a concerto for orchestra, focusing on the technical skill of the young musicians of the Jovem Orquestra Portuguesa. The world premiere will take place in July 2025 followed by three additional performances across Portugal. The commissioned work will be presented alongside Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony and Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1.

The goal of the composer-in-residence programme is to support early-career composers by providing time, resources, and mentoring for developing a new orchestral work. The composer works directly with individual musicians, sectionals, and full rehearsals, guided by an experienced conductor and supported by a rehearsal director and a luthier. The programme additionally aims to encourage diversity and gender balance in new music. Past editions have led to award-winning works and helped launch several composers into professional careers.

Further Information:
ocp.org.pt

Dates

July 27, 2025 (World Premiere)
Centro Cultural de Belém, Lisbon

July 28, 2025
Aula Magna, Lisbon

July 31, 2025
Festival Cistermúsica, Alcobaça

August 1, 2025
Centro Cultural Olga Cadaval, Sintra