Supporting the new generation of international musicians and bringing life back into the interior of Portugal
Set in the scenic mountain region of central Portugal, the annual Bendada International Music Festival (Bendada, Portugal) is a classical music festival that empowers young artists to fulfill their musical talent. Founded by Dr. Inês Andrade and Dr. Edoardo Carpenedo in 2016, the BIMF is an entrepreneurial effort to revitalize the interior of Portugal using music, arts, and education as a medium to bring culture, local pride, and economic growth back into rural areas. The Festival started as a five-day summer music festival in July 2016. Since then, it has grown into a year-round project, attracting students, artists, and audiences worldwide. The festival concerts and cultural activities take place in the Beiras, the interior region of Portugal, as well as curated events in Portugal's main cities of Lisbon and Porto, and the United States. At its core, the BIMF is a community where young musicians can learn from sought-after pedagogues and artists, collaborate and meet people from all over the world driven by the same goals, and showcase their artistry on stage in professional concerts. The BIMF offers annual Spring and Summer music academies (for musicians ages 8-13 and 14 and up, respectively), a year-round concert series with monthly concerts featuring established artists, alums from the festival academies, and symphonic concerts, and a concerto competition , providing the festival academy students with the prestigious opportunity to debut as soloists with an orchestra, win monetary prizes, and professional performing engagements. Thank you for considering supporting the Festival on its mission to: boost rising musicians' careers by providing them with an affordable, world-class education and stand-out performance opportunities revitalize the interior of Portugal using music, arts, and education as a medium to bring culture, local pride, and economic growth back into the Portuguese Beiras region We invite you to explore the opportunities to get involved in the festival, make tax-deductible donations or corporate sponsorships, and volunteer.