Filipe Cunha

Maestro Filipe Ramalhosa Cunha is an internationally recognized conductor celebrated for his expressive artistry, bold interpretations, and magnetic leadership on the podium. Living in Braga, Portugal, he studied clarinet and flute at the Conservatório de Música Calouste Gulbenkian and the University of Minho before shifting his focus to orchestral conducting. His advanced training includes the Superior Conducting Course at the European Conducting Academy and a three-year specialization in Classical Orchestra Conducting with renowned French maestro Jean-Sébastien Béreau. He currently serves as principal conductor of the Braga Philharmonic Orchestra, Braga Youth Philharmonic – Braga Youth Wind Orchestra, and the vocal ensemble Opera per Tutti.

Cunha's career spans performances across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with engagements in countries such as Germany, Mexico, Canada, China, Cuba, and Poland. He was a finalist in the prestigious 2020 World Music Competition in Vienna (Orchestral Conducting category) and was appointed Honorary Conductor of the Korean K-Classics Orchestra, joining a select circle of conductors internationally recognized for artistic excellence. In 2021, he was invited to join the Giuseppe Verdi Musical Society in Mexico as a guest conductor, reinforcing his global presence.

Recent seasons have featured numerous standout appearances. In 2022 and 2023, he led acclaimed performances with the Italian Opera Florence Orchestra, Lutoslawski Philharmonic (Poland), Pazardzhik Symphony Orchestra (Bulgaria), National Symphonic Orchestra of Cuba, and the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de Puebla (Mexico). He has also conducted the Municipal Symphonic Band of Seville, Naples Orchestra – San Giovanni, and Orchestra Sinfonia di Sanremo. His expertise as a pedagogue is widely sought after, leading to regular invitations to give conducting masterclasses, particularly at the Instituto Superior de Artes (ISA) in Havana.

In 2024 and early 2025, Cunha continued to expand his international footprint with appearances in Italy, Spain, Cuba, and the Azores, conducting orchestras such as the Orchestra Sinfonica di Cozensa, the Orchestra of Cittá di Grossetto, and the Orchestra Sinfonica de Matanzas. He was also invited to serve on the jury of the First International Conducting Competition in Moscow. With upcoming engagements in Brazil, Venezuela, the United States, and continued masterclasses in Cuba and the U.S., Maestro Cunha remains a passionate advocate for cross-cultural exchange and musical excellence. His visionary approach and commitment to education continue to inspire audiences and musicians worldwide.