The village of Caldas das Taipas hosted several special sessions over three days, held in the Taipas Termal Auditorium and at the Banhos Velhos (Old Baths).
Last Thursday evening began with a concert by the Till Ensemble, which performed a work by the celebrated and prestigious composer Beethoven – the Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, composed for violin, viola, cello, double bass, clarinet, bassoon, and horn, with six different movements. The audience witnessed an “intense and beautiful” musical moment. The group, formed by seven instrumentalists from the University of Aveiro and the Porto Higher School of Music, Arts and Performing Arts, brought the potential of chamber music to a very diverse audience.
On Friday, a special activity took place at Banhos Velhos, organized by Shortcutz (an international short film movement) and co-organized by the Instituto de Ciência Viva. The evening was dedicated to astronomy, where attendees were invited to "see the stars with different eyes" through the use of animated short films, fictional dramas, and horror films.
On Saturday, in the late afternoon, Banhos Velhos was the setting for the sharing of "stories, stones and food". Conversation, sharing, plenty of food or a bountiful table to complement a gathering and, of course, lots of music inspired by the history of Banhos Velhos.
Many of those present remember that late afternoon as "very pleasant," and were "amazed" by the interior space of the Old Baths.
