The Tuna Universitária do Instituto Superior Técnico (TUIST) is back in Lisbon after its first tour of Brazil in October 2024. TUIST performed at various venues such as the Casa de Portugal in São Paulo, the University of São Paulo, Casa de Portugal in Campinas, the Portuguese Cultural Centre in Santos, the Ralino Zambotto Theatre (Itatiba) and the Urca Cultural Space (Poços de Caldas).

Ricardo Martins, representing AEIST, says ‘this is an unforgettable experience’ and ‘it was an honour to represent our country and our institution.’ ‘We were warmly welcomed everywhere we went, and these two weeks – “Travelling Always Singing” – became an unforgettable experience,’ he adds.

During the visit to Brazil, in addition to the various performances, the group had the opportunity to meet with the International Relations Executive Board of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), where possible synergies were explored and topics such as Best Practices and Internationalisation were discussed.

Throughout the tour, TUIST had to adapt to audiences and venues, which influenced the music chosen. ‘In open-air spaces, dance performances and other traditional songs’ were the group’s choice. On stage, they chosen “fado and Brazilian music”, explains musical coordinator Miguel Serpa.

TUIST’s first performance took place on 20 March 1993 at Técnico – Alameda campus. Since then, they performed from north to south of the country and overseas: Spain, the United States of America, France, The Netherlands, Italy, Peru, Venezuela, Germany and now Brazil.

Every year the Tuna Universitária do Instituto Superior Técnico welcomes new members. Currently, TUIST has almost 150 members, from all study cycles.