João Camacho

About me

Born in Angola (Luanda) on January 11th 1972, I started my piano studies with my father and at the Academia de Amadores de Música de Lisboa.

At the National Conservatory of Lisbon, I completed the complementary course of Piano in the class of Prof. José Bon de Sousa, becoming also interested in composition lead by the hand of my friend and teacher Eurico Carrapatoso. I then enrolled in the Superior School of Music in Lisbon (E.S.M.L.) where I had the opportunity to work with some of the most influential teachers and composers of the Portuguese musical field, such as Cristopher Bochmman, António Pinho Vargas and Roberto Pérez.

After completing the Bachelor's Degree in composition, I joined the Superior National Academy of Orchestra (A.N.S.O.). In August of 2002, I concluded the Master's Degree in Orchestra Direction in maestro Jean-Marc Burfin’s class. Currently I teach composition in the Palmela Regional Conservatory, where I also direct several choir classes and other groups.

Awards

I'm the lucky winner of several composition prizes, including:
2014 - Finalist at the Australian Boys Choir 75th birthday composition competition;
2011 - Winner of the “D. Dinis” composition competition;
2007 - Winner of the 2nd edition of the “Lopes-Graça, Cidade de Tomar” composition competition;
2006 - Winner of the “Pixel Boy Award”;

Recordings

2016 - "Dreams and Desires" by the Australian Boys Choir.
Inquiries to buy the CD HERE
2015 - "150 Anos" by the Palmela Philharmonic Society's Wind Band.
Inquiries to buy the CD HERE
2014 - "75" by the Australian Boys Choir.
Inquiries to buy the CD HERE
2007 - "Compositores Portugueses XX/XXI - vol. 1" by the Lisboa Cantat Chamber Choir.
The CD is out of stock
1998 - "Canções Populares Portuguesas" by the Lisboa Chamber Choir.
The CD is out of stock

Recent Posts

April 19, 2022

Canção do Amor Perfeito

Check out my most recent song from my Jazz Songbook - Canção do Amor-Perfeito, with lyrics by the Brazilian poetess Cecília Meireles. And while you're at it, also check Horas Rubras, this time with lyrics by the Portuguese poetess Florbela Espanca. Two beautiful poems by two great poetesses.

August 24, 2021

O falcão d'el rei

Commissioned by the Municipality of Pinhel and by Maestro Ferreira Lobo, "O Falcão d'El Rei" (The King's Hawk), is a cantata with libretto based on the homonymous historic romance by Dr. José Pereira da Graça, which portrays the events that anticipated the Battle of Aljubarrota. Get the score right HERE.

February 18, 2021

Ave maria

My version for Feminine Choir (SSAA) of this important and well known religious text.

Spotlight