Team
Gilvano Dalagna (Universidade de Aveiro | INET-md, artistic coordination)
Richard Simas (Independent artist, artistic coordination)
Aurora Miranda (Universidade de Aveiro)
Clarissa Foletto (Independent artist)
Fausto Pizzol (Universidade de Aveiro | INET-md)
Luam Clarindo (Universidade de Aveiro)
Marisa Ponce León (Universidade de Aveiro | INET-md)
Raquel Winica Young (Universidade de Aveiro)
Sérgio Neves (Universidade de Aveiro | INET-md)
Xavier Marques (Independent artist)
Execution calendar
10/2025 to 12/2026
Institutions involved (in collaboration or partnership)
Associação ArtTalent
Universidade de Aveiro
INET-md
23 milhas
Vic Arts House
Porta do Café
Casa da Lenha
Funding
Direção-Geral das Artes DGArtes | Ref. 30455
Abstract
Songs of Seeking and Fragmentos de Viagem propose the publication of an original, bilingual, and eclectic musical work that expands the boundaries of songwriting, creatively exploring the use of complex emotional arcs – a literary writing technique that refers to the profound inner transformations of characters within narratives. In doing so, it aims to create a bridge between artistic expression and the tensions and metamorphoses
Songs of Seeking is inspired by the iconic 13th-century Persian text The Conference of the Birds. The dramaturgical narrative of the project, which begins on Costa Nova beach in Portugal, uniquely situates the themes shared with the Conference in a contemporary context affected by issues such as social mobility, environmental threats, cultural identity, shifting urban realities, and spirituality beyond religion. The transformation of the travelling protagonists, Tomás and Sofia, into bird-people is conveyed through the songs and narrations, as they gradually gain experience and self-knowledge. The voices of third-person narrators, together with the ever-present birdsong, further complement these perspectives.
Songs of Seeking is innovative in its creative process, which stems from an artistic collaboration between a writer and a songwriter. While literary texts are frequently employed in musical creation, they are often subordinated to musical structure. The creative process of Songs of Seeking, however, adopted an alternative approach: transforming the complex literary narrative into songs while preserving its idiosyncrasies. The outcome is a song cycle characterised by greater dramaturgical richness, less symmetrical phrasing, and an unconventional structure.
The Songs of Seeking project will be published and distributed through a strategy that combines not only a digital album release and a bilingual digital book, but also a versatile live performance format, enabling the work to be presented in multiple configurations and adapted to a variety of artistic spaces. This strategy will ensure the accessibility of the artistic work at both national and international levels. The album will include 17 songs and 3 narrations, resulting in an audio work with a total duration of 105 minutes.
Keywords
Artistic Creation; Songwriting; Collaborative practices; Singing novel; Phonographic edition.