About

Origins

In the early 1980s, many Portuguese migrants came to California in search of opportunity while maintaining their culture and identity. Among them was John da Silveira, who, along with local Portuguese immigrants, sought to continue the musical traditions of their homeland. Their dream became reality when they formed a small band in the Nunes dairy of Escalon, today known as the Azores Band of Escalon.

The band made its first public debut in May 1980 in Antioch, marking the beginning of its musical journey in California.

Growth and Milestones

Over the years, the Azores Band of Escalon became a cornerstone of the Portuguese-American community, performing locally and abroad.

• 2006 & 2017 – Organized the Festival das Filarmónicas da Califórnia.

• 2008 – Traveled to the Azores, touring Terceira, São Jorge, and Pico.

• 2013 – Became the first Portuguese Filarmónica from California to perform at the Sanjoaninas festa in Angra do Heroísmo.

• 2018 – Established the Azores Band of Escalon Scholarship Program to support and recognize young musicians.

• 2023 – Returned once again to Terceira to perform at Sanjoaninas.

Recordings

The band has produced three CDs, showcasing its dedication to preserving and sharing Portuguese musical traditions:

• 2006 – Pasodobles 

• 2010 – Azores Band of Escalon 2010

• 2019 – Pasodobles Volume 2

Anniversary Celebrations & Guest Composers

The Filarmónica has marked its milestones with distinguished guest conductors and composers:

• 2022 (42nd Anniversary): Hosted Vitor Resende (Associação Musical de Freamunde), performing many of his compositions.

• 2024 (44th Anniversary): Celebrated with António Maria Catalão Labreca, premiering a pasodoble dedicated to the group.

• 2025 (45th Anniversary): Featured Valdemar Sequeira as guest conductor and composer.
  
  

Today

Now celebrating 45 years, the Azores Band of Escalon continues to perform both within and beyond the Portuguese community. The band proudly brings together around 75 musicians from Escalon and the surrounding areas.

This year, they also have the honor of hosting the 20th Festival das Filarmónicas da Califórnia, uniting bands and communities from across the state under the theme “Rooted in Tradition. United in Music.”