“The Calouste Gulbenkian foundation: The role of its Music Service within the context of the support to Wind Bands (1955-1995)”

Abstract

Since its early years of existence, in the mid-1950s, until the mid-1990s, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, or FCG) has provided support to Portuguese wind bands, both directly and indirectly, through subsidies, and by supplying instruments, as well as by training the members and promoting the artistic work of these bands. Mostly based on the accounting reports of FCG, the aim of this paper is to analyse and expose the contribution of the FCG, particularly its Music Service, to wind bands throughout four decades. The contribution of this institution to the existence and development of many of these groups can be considered relevant, not only as a result of its material and financial support, but also as regards the training of conductors and performers, in addition to the promotion of these musical groups. The role of FCG was all the more valuable when taking into account that the greater part of this support was carried out in a particularly critical period for wind bands. However, the gap between the monetary support granted to those amateur groups – in an average of five per cent of the total amount granted as subsidies–and the sums attributed to other groups, projects or activities is also noteworthy.