! BEITRAG IN BEARBEITUNG !
This summer, as part of the Nomades project, we had the opportunity to travel to Paredes de Coura in northern Portugal to continue our international adventure. This was the second gathering of the project’s participants.
This time, we had to fly to get to this charming little Portuguese town. A first for some of us!
A view of the sky, through the airplane window
The choice of the town of Parades de Coura is no coincidence—it’s home to a vibrant music and cultural scene! Vodafone, one of the Portuguses’ largest music festivals, takes place there every year in August. During a long walk, we were able to explore the area where the main stage is located. Along side the river and in the middle of footpaths, a large meadow welcomes artists and festival-goers. Our trip took place about a month before the festival, but we could already see the tents set up next to the site!
Festival Main Stage in 2024, Photo: Luis Arteaga (Everlong magazine)
Over there, we met up with our Portuguese counterparts. They were participating in a week-long intensive music summer camp at the same time. Their school is behind a project that allows passionate young Portuguese musicians aged 12 to 22 to come together to put on a concert where everyone can showcase their musical talents. We attended this performance, which marked the end of their stay. It was really wonderful and touching to watch: the set list was perfectly chosen, and the participants were talented, energetic, and completely at ease on stage. I personally have wonderful memories of it!
The end concert of the Summer camp
With this whole cheerful group, we jammed every night—whether outdoors, in the concert hall, or even in front of City Hall. We mostly covered songs, but there was also place for improvisation. Just like the trip itself, I found these jams to be welcoming, and there was a place for everyone. I sometimes struggle to feel comfortable and confident in those kinds of situations, but during those evenings, I felt great and really enjoyed myself.
German and Portuguese friends, during a jam in town
The afternoons were devoted to group work with the project members. In the morning, we did team-building and rhythm exercises to get to know each other better and get into the right mindset. After lunch, which we ate in the dining hall with the entire camp, we worked with the instruments. I especially enjoyed the creative exercise based on short poems (haikus): the goal was for each of us to write one, along with a specific technique (an effects pedal, a chord progression, a key, etc.) on pieces of paper. Two groups were then formed, and each was assigned a poem and a constraint by drawing papers to guide their creative process. Over the course of the sessions, we were able to make progress on a composition that I found very interesting. The two groups approached the exercise differently, which I think demonstrates the wide range of perspectives among the members. This is a positive aspect, because ultimately, engaging with new people and different ways of seeing things and music is one of the goals of the Nomades project.
 Composition and musical arrangement |
 One of the haikus written during the exercise |
In addition to these rehearsals, just as we did in Germany, we explored the city, met new people, and experienced a culture that was sometimes different from our own. I discovered local culinary specialties and beautiful landscapes, made even more stunning by the arrival of summer. I feel that our bonds with the participants have grown stronger, and I left feeling delighted and eagerly looking forward to the project’s final gathering, which will take place this time here at home, in Lyon and Villeurbanne!
 Paredes de Coura |
 Coura River |
 Noticeably dry during our walk 🙂 |
 Pastel de nata, a sweet specialty from Portugal |
Loula (August, 28th, 2026).