After a brief but memorable appearance on TV last year, giving voice and soul to a commercial for a well-known national supermarket, the Grupo Coral de Cantares Regionais de Portel has one more reason its fans to be proud. More then three decades of history, memories and songs, precisely 32 years of existence celebrated on the 6th January.

Actually, it all started on the night of the 5th January 1976 that a small group of citizens of Portel decided to go out in the streets to sing the “Canto dos Reis” (Twelfth Night songs), a tradition so ancient and with so many versions as are the villages of Alentejo.

Nowadays, the Group has achieved a prestige recognized by all, but its musical history has not always been peaceful and consensual.

In the 80’s the release of the single “Eu Ouvi O Passarinho”, which gave them a national and international recognition, raised some criticism from the so called “Alentejo’s songs fundamentalists”. They disapproved the use of instruments in the performance of ‘cante alentejano’ (traditional polyphonic singing).

This characteristic ended up being determinant for the Group’s melodious and intuitive quality, that together with research of ancient melodies and the singularity of its performances, launched it to fame and foreign stages.

“Portel, Querido Portel”, “Vou-me Embora Vou Partir”, “Laranja da China”, “Senhora Cegonha” and more recently “Linda Noiva Tem Portel” are some of the many hits that made this group cross borders. Countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Canada are some of the countries where they made tours.
Nowadays, investigators and music experts are starting to recognize the fact that the Traditional Polyphonic Singing from Alentejo used to be, in its origins, accompanied by musical instruments. We can say that the Grupo Coral de Cantares Regionais de Portel assumed here an important role in the promotion, not only of the Alentejo traditional singing and its beautiful town (Portel), but also of a region which is today a highlight and a proud for its people.

Speaking of pride, there is no doubt that the affection and consideration of the people of Portel, was and continues to be decisive for a constant affirmation and evolution of this musical Group.

Talking about the Grupo Coral de Portel is evoking memories of other times, encountering once more a past plenty of friends who gave their contribution so that this story could happen.

Due to this fact, we find ourselves today with that story, thankful for the contribution that these voices have given along these 32 years to bring all over the world, not only the name of a “Portel, Querido Portel” but also an exciting and charming way of singing.

To the Grupo Coral de Cantares Regionais de Portel, our many thanks!