FRANCISCO PIRES

My career has led me to specialise increasingly in the management of complex multi-cultural projects and their staffs at international levels. I have experience in: strategic forward-planning; operating within the tight financial disciplines imposed by ambitious budgets which I have helped to plan; methodical administration to deadlines (not to speak of crisis management where necessary); and the application of modern leadership methods (through staff motivation and involvement in both decision-making and target-setting, clarity in communication, and easy personal inter-relations). My own cosmopolitan background and analytical interests in other cultures, together with a command of several European languages, have also left me confident in handling negotiations that require the reconciliation of different national approaches to otherwise common problems.

Universidade Lusófona

I created and directed the course “Specialisation on Production and Management of Performing Arts Events” at the "Universidade Lusófona" - the largest private university in Portugal. This course provides wide information about the different aspects and specialised matters involved in the management and production of cultural events and venues.

Casa da Música

I was brought in as production director and General Coordinator of the Casa da Musica project in 1999, where I oversaw the build of the award-winning building from architectural planning to the official opening. This involved liaison with the Rotterdam-based architect, where I paid close attention to key auditorium concerns including acoustics, sight-lines, seating and public space in separate parts of the building dedicated to different uses. The Casa da Música project was a ground-up task that required efficient negotiating with many parties at national and international level.

Once the Casa da Música was operational, I worked as Production and Operational Director, responsible for the coordination of the maintenance team of the building (maintenance, security, cleaning) and also the events production team (including a wide range of music disciplines, educational workshops, exhibitions, multimedia installations, conferences and receptions). This involved management of teams of people within the company as well as coordination of external suppliers and staff involved in the outsourcing services (restaurants, bars, parking and commercial store). In my time at Casa da Música I was responsible for the whole range of functions within the building and within the company.

Porto 2001 - European Cultural Capital

Between 1999 and 2001 while overseeing the construction process of Casa da Musica building, I coordinated the production and execution of all musical events programmed for Porto's big year in 2001. This involved more than 200 musical performances ranging from opera, concerts by classical and symphony orchestras, period music (Rennaissance and Baroque) and recitals, to contemporary musical ensembles, jazz, and Fado. The project involved more than 700 visiting technicians over the year.

Royal Scottish National Orchestra (Glasgow)

Prior to returning to Portugal, I was the Concerts Manager for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Glasgow (1997 to 1999). This involved the coordination of 90 orchestral players, clockwork organisation of all concerts, numerous tours in the UK and overseas, recording sessions and arrangements concerning visiting conductors and soloists. This period gave me a lot of experience and understanding of UK standards and levels of professionalism.

Orquestra Nacional do Porto

Between 1989 and 1997 I was the General Manager/Orchestra Manager of Orquestra Nacional do Porto, also known as the Oporto Symphony Orchestra (and previously named "Orquestra Clássica do Porto" and "Orquestra do Porto da Régie Cooperativa Sinfonia"). In this role, I programmed all orchestral activities, such as rehearsals, concerts, tours and recording sessions I supported the Artistic Director with the programming of the concert season and booking of conductors, soloists and stand-in players, and the role involved the challenge of dealing with 50 orchestra members from 33 different nations.

During this time, I was also a founder partner of "ESTREIA – Agência de Espectáculos, Lda", an Artistic Agency which organised several events, including Porgy and Bess with the New York Harlem Company, a performance by "Ballet Nacional de España", orchestral tours and private events.

I was born in Mozambique (Lourenco Marques, now Maputo) in 1960.