Rui Ribeiro Brings Together the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra and Lusitanian Ghosts in a Special Concert
Last Friday, 4th of July, the Tivoli BBVA Theatre in Lisbon was packed for a truly unique concert that merged two worlds rarely seen side by side: the refined realm of symphonic music and the contemporary energy of folk rock. Portuguese composer, conductor, and orchestrator Rui Ribeiro joined forces with the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra and the Luso-Swedish collective Lusitanian Ghosts, creating a show that transcended traditional musical boundaries.
Renowned for their distinctive approach, Lusitanian Ghosts have been making waves across the European music scene by blending traditional Portuguese string instruments, such as the Violas Amarantina, Braguesa, Campaniça, and Terceira, with contemporary folk rock and indie sounds. Their aim is not only to preserve these ancient instruments but also to propel them onto international stages. With three albums released (Lusitanian Ghosts, Exotic Quixotic, and Lusitanian Ghosts III), the collective has become a pioneering force in the aesthetic exploration and global promotion of these traditional instruments.
On the other hand, the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra, founded in 1992, stands as one of Portugal’s most esteemed musical institutions, celebrated for its excellence in performing symphonic repertoire and its versatility in collaborating with artists and projects from diverse musical backgrounds. Beyond a busy concert season in Lisbon and other cities, the orchestra is deeply committed to educational outreach, bringing audiences of all ages closer to the world of classical and symphonic music. Accepting the invitation for this concert was a natural step in the orchestra’s mission to innovate and explore new musical territories.
Under the baton of Rui Ribeiro, who crafted the orchestral arrangements, the concert offered the audience a singular experience, where the vibrant sounds of traditional Portuguese instruments intertwined seamlessly with the rich textures of the orchestra, resulting in moments of profound emotional intensity. “Creating these kinds of fusions is always an exhilarating challenge because I believe that in music, as in life, there’s always room for new, uncharted worlds full of beauty and meaning,” said Rui Ribeiro, whose career has been marked by a constant pursuit of bridges between different musical realms, whether in concert music, film scoring, or diverse artistic collaborations.
The memorable evening won’t be confined to the memories of those who attended. The entire concert was both recorded and filmed, with a live album already in the works to immortalize this improbable yet highly successful fusion. For Rui Ribeiro, the Lusitanian Ghosts, and the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra, this project represents not only a significant milestone in their artistic journeys but also a meaningful contribution to musical innovation in Portugal. The audience left the Tivoli BBVA Theatre feeling as though they had witnessed the birth of a new sonic universe—one where the lines between musical genres dissolve, opening the door to artistic possibilities once thought unimaginable.
