The funding is part of a limited-access grant programme with a total allocation of €9.72 million aimed at supporting active orchestras with regional status.

Each orchestra will benefit from €3.24 million over the four-year period. The funding follows legislative changes made in November 2023, which tightened the criteria for attaining regional orchestra status. This designation can now only be granted through competitive or restricted calls, making the process more rigorous.

The support scheme is designated to ensure the financial stability and sustainable development of regional orchestras. It also aims to promote broader access to culture, celebrate musical heritage, and decentralise artistic offerings across Portugal. According to DGArtes, orchestras must maintain a diverse and regular programme, with a focus on classical music, national and contemporary compositions, educational initiatives, and community engagement in their respective regions – North, Central, and Algarve.

Founded in 1992 and based in Amarante, Orquestra do Norte has performed extensively in Portugal and abroad. However, the orchestra has recently faced financial challenges, with its workers’ committee reporting repeated delays in salary payments.

Orquestra Filarmonia das Beiras, active since 1997 and based in Aveiro, is known for its work with schools and young musicians. It has hosted conducting and vocal competitions, as well as school music projects, and has collaborated with renowned artists including José Carreras and Mariza.

Founded in 2002 in Faro, Orquestra do Algarve has strong municipal and institutional backing and launched a community choir in 2019 to further its cultural outreach.