E.C.O.S - Ensemble Criativo Outros Sons

ECOS is a new space for devised and collaborative music-making, under the creative direction of facilitators Filipe Sousa (piano) and Kate Smith (voice). We explore creative processes, improvisation, and collaborative composition. We create new music that crosses genres, culture, and musical traditions alike. 

We accept experienced instrumentalists and vocalists from diverse musical/cultural/educational backgrounds who want to engage with fresh perspectives on music-making in an open-minded environment that welcomes experimentation and creative thinking. 

You may be an orchestral musician, or maybe you trained in non-Western traditions, you may be a student at music school, or maybe you’re a passionate amateur. We are interested in how to collaborate across difference and welcome you. 

In fall 2023, we ran two projects. The first was a weekend intensive in September. Over the course of one evening and two days, we worked with 9 diverse musicians to create a full hour of new music, performed on Sunday evening. The second was based around a weekly 2 hour session on Tuesday evenings. Over 12 evening sessions with a new group of 9 musicians, we again created a whole performance of completely original music, performed to a sell out crowd at Bota Anjos.

We are excited to revive the project for a second season in 2025.