The Regional Director for Culture was the guest speaker at the solemn session to celebrate the 135th anniversary of the Recreio dos Artistas Philharmonic Society that took place on Monday night.

Before an audience composed of members and musicians, Jorge Bruno traced back the history of the city of Angra do Heroísmo from its foundation, emphasising the aspects that would lead, much later, to its classification as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Regional Director highlighted the role played "Recreio dos Artistas" society in the cultural life of the city and the island; its activities developed for over a century have covered several areas, including music, theatre, folk dances, among others.

Jorge Bruno also highlighted the strength and importance of over 100 philharmonic societies in the cultural projection of the Azores, playing an essential role in cultural dissemination.

The Regional Director stressed that the Regional Government acknowledges the importance of this work. Hence it continues to support several philharmonic societies by providing training opportunities and supporting the acquisition of instruments and uniforms as well as some interventions in the headquarters of societies.