The decree-law focuses on the establishment of regional orchestras and outlines various provisions related to their functioning. It emphasises the promotion of cultural heritage, educational activities, and training opportunities for music students and professionals.
Regional orchestras pursue goals of public interest in the field of the dissemination of classical music in the different communities in which they are located. The objectives of regional orchestras are, among others, to promote people’s access to cultural enjoyment and creation, to collaborate with local institutions and cultural agents to build an integrated and richer cultural offer in the region; to enhance the national musical heritage, both historical and contemporary, by programming works by Portuguese composers and involving established and emerging Portuguese soloists and conductors; and to contribute to the affirmation of regional orchestras as a national network and establish relations with similar orchestras in Europe.
The document specifies the criteria and procedures for the status of regional orchestras, including the responsibilities and reporting requirements for the entities involved. It highlights the need for regular meetings with the promoting entities and/or the workers or their representatives. Additionally, it mandates the submission of a yearly comprehensive evaluation report on the regional orchestras’ activities, encompassing various aspects of their functioning and financial viability. The decree-law also details the formalisation of financial support through a written contract, which includes elements such as the object, rights and obligations of the parties, activity plans, budgets, and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, it addresses the access of promoting entities to the evaluation process and the submission of written opinions within a specified timeframe.
