Tues 6th

Talk: Islam in Art by Caroline Perry (org: Algarve Archaeological Association)

The lecture will focus on the idea of Islamic art, how it relates to beliefs and considering influences from earlier cultures. Starting from the earliest years of Islam, Carolyn will show us through photographs and illustrations how the religion of Islam shapes art and architecture and, thus, lead us to consider whether it is even appropriate to use the term ‘Islamic art’. From a survey of the early influences on the arts and crafts in various Islamic lands we continue on to look at innovations, themes and trends across the media of ceramics, glass and metalwork.

Carolyn Perry is Director of the MBI Al Jaber Foundation, a British non-profit organisation established by Sheikh Mohamed to promote education, cultural exchange and most importantly, understanding between the people of the Middle East and Western World. Carolyn came to the Foundation from The British Museum, where she set up and ran the Arab World Education programme. She graduated from Queen Mary College, University of London with a BA Hons Classical Studies (First Class) and has done Postgraduate Research in Islamic Pottery at Royal Holloway College, University of London. She has taught at all levels from a Primary School in a London Borough to a lecturing at the University of London. Carolyn frequently lectures and writes on various aspects of the ancient Mediterranean world. She is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, and Secretary of the British National Committee to Save Tyre.

Entry: 5 € (free to members of AAA only)

Tuesday 6th October, 14:30

Wed 7th

History Talks: Isabel & Ferdinand of Spain (Part II) - with Trevor Haywood

Entry: 2 € (Amigos 1 €)

Wednesday 7th October, 11:00

Fri 9th & Sat 10th

Dido & Aeneas by Aperitivo Performance Group

A small stage, fourteen singers, ten actors, four musicians and sundry dancing girls. And if this isn’t enough to hold your attention, the scenery is worth looking at, too.

It all adds up to the production of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas by various groups affiliated to the Museum in São Brás. Dido and Aeneas is often described as the first ever British opera, and, for those who might regard opera as a bit stuffy, it should be remembered that Purcell originally wrote the piece to be performed, in 1689, by a girls’ school, and therefore it is full of the things young girls like most – witches, storms, evil spirits and a certain amount of gory blood. And a handsome hero – although here the Museum version scores over the original in having a real man taking the rôle rather than one of the taller and more flat-chested of the schoolgirls.

The singers of Purcell’s wonderful music are the Canticorum choir, maestro Walter Sulzer – a very fine choir with a growing reputation – with guest singer Francisco Brazão; Walter Sulzer himself plays the ‘cello, and Mary Legg plays spinet. The actors are from the innovative performance group Aperitivo, who are always ready for new theatrical forms. Their normal multi-lingual talents are not, however, required in this piece since they are not required to speak at all – but acting well without speaking also requires special talents; happily Aperitivo have risen to the challenge.

All in all, it is a very special production; undeniably ambitious, and a splendidly rich experience for both eyes and ears.

Entry: 10 € (Amigos 8 €)

Download a copy of the poster (jpg format)

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th October, 19:30

Sat 10th

Art Exhibition Opening (New Gallery): Collective Exhibition featuring Ben Helmink, Peter de Jong, Silvia Cavelti, Hilary Holt and Charlie Holt

Continues until 27th November

Click image left for further information.

Free entry

Saturday 10th October, 18:00

Fri 16th & Sat 17th

Music Hall Review, organised by The Angels Theatre Group to benefit the needy senior citizens of São Brás.

Tickets: 15 € from Joro in Almancil, includes supper of Bangers & Mash. Enquiries: 96 6086181 (Joy Behenna).

Friday 16th & Saturday 17th October, 19:30

Sun 18th

Jazz Club @ The Museum: Jean Pierre Pierson Quintet playing Swing and Funky Fusion.

Saxophonist and singer, accompanied by James Mellor (piano), Laeth Mazieri (guitar and vocal), Renato Madeira (bass) and Luís Carlos (drums).

As usual there will be a jam session after the concert.

Entry: 10 € (Amigos 8 €)

Download a copy of the concert poster (273 kb)

Sunday 18th October, 17:00

Tues 27th

Classical Music Concert - Piano & string Quartet

The Wittener Streich Quartett comprises Nora Isabel (violin), Marie Hunanyan (violin), Christoph Daniel Zander (viola) and Jakob Jann (cello). The group, who won the second prize at the national competition in Germany called “Jugend musiziert” (Youth Makes Music), was founded in 2002.

During the years that the Quartet have been working together, they have built up a comprehensive repertoire including many musical periods and styles.

The quartet was extended to include the pianist Malte Schäfer who has won many prizes at the same aforementioned competition “Jugend musiziert”. As well as playing the piano, he is also a wonderful singer who sings in several choirs whilst also taking classes in singing and oboe.

This concert has been sponsored by the Goethe Institute in Lisbon as part of the commemoration celebrations of 20 years of a reunited Germany.

Entry: 10 € (Amigos 8 €)

Tuesday 27th October, 20:30

Newsletter for October 2009

See also: Regular Activities