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About Us

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Our 
Story

The Our Lady of Light Symphonic Band (also known as the Our Lady of Light Band) is a premier musical ensemble based in Fall River, Massachusetts, deeply rooted in the local Portuguese-American community. 

 

Origins and Early Years

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  • Founding (1969): The band was founded in 1969 by Portuguese immigrants in Fall River.  Under the direction of Maestro Manuel M. Canito, the band continued to evolve and maintain its steadfast resolve to play high quality music that was envisioned by our founding Musical Director.

  • Cultural Mission: It serves as a cultural cornerstone for the Portuguese community, performing traditional repertoire alongside symphonic and concert band pieces.

  • Generational Legacy: The band is a family-oriented organization where multiple generations often play together.  Here is a small list of generational families that have performed for the Our Lady of Light Symphonic Band:

    •  The Canito Family 

    • The Aguiar Family

    • The Estacio Family

    • The Costa Family

    • The Lopes Family

    • The Souza Family

    • The Camara Family

    • The Halaburda Family

    • The DeFaria Family

    • The Simones Family

    • The Souto Family

    • The Borges Family

    • The Reis Family

    • The Pimentel Family

    • The Sibastiao Family

    • The Pains Family

    • The Winterbottom Family

    • The Drances Family

    • The Marshall Family

    • The Donahue Family

    • The Lowney-Beier Family  

 

Key Historical Milestones

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The band has gained significant recognition beyond the local level through several high-profile performances: 

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  • 1984 & 1986:  Winners of the 1st and 2nd Musical Competitions of local Portuguese Bands.

  •  1996: Performed for President Bill Clinton during his visit to Fall River.

  • 1997–1998: Established a collaboration with the Tri-County Symphonic Band, including a joint concert at UMass Dartmouth in 1998.

  • 2017: Selected as the first ensemble from the northeastern United States to perform at the John Philip Sousa Band Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C..

  • 2022: Made history as the first Portuguese band to perform at Boston Symphony Hall.

 

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