Canto Nono was born in February 1992, in the city of Porto, as a collective dedicated to the purity of a cappella music. Formed by eight singers perfectly balanced between four female and four male voices, the group transformed the absence of instruments into a powerful artistic trademark, exploring the infinite possibilities of the human voice as a tool for harmony and expression.
Their official debut took place in December 1992 at the iconic Rivoli Teatro Municipal, marking the beginning of a journey that would quickly gain momentum. In those early years, the group did not limit itself to conventional stages, participating in street events like the “Queima do Judas” and investing in their training through seminars with Ward Swingle, the legendary founder of the Swingle Singers, whose influence would shape the ensemble’s DNA.
This connection to Ward Swingle became the great engine of Canto Nono’s evolution, bringing exclusive arrangements and a technical sophistication that culminated in the release of their self-titled debut album in 1997 at Café Majestic. International prestige soon followed, with the track “El Paisanito” being nominated by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America, placing the Porto-based group alongside world-renowned references in the genre.
Still in the 90s, the group’s versatility allowed them to cross artistic boundaries, collaborating on theater plays and significant cultural tributes. International projection took them to Macau in 1998, where they performed at historic venues, while in Portugal, they established protocols with the Ministry of Culture to promote vocal music among younger generations through pedagogical concerts.
The turn of the millennium brought one of the most significant projects of their career: the show “Sons do Porto – A Cidade a Oito Vozes,” part of the Porto 2001 European Capital of Culture program. Under the musical direction of José Mário Branco and featuring texts by figures like Manuel António Pina, the group sold out venues and took the soul of the “Invicta” city on a national tour, solidifying a deep bond with Portuguese cultural identity.
Collaboration with major names in national music became a constant, notably their participation in the soundtrack for the film “A Raiz do Coração” and the memorable performance of “Que força é essa” on Sérgio Godinho’s album. In 2003, the album “O Porto a Oito Vozes” was released by EMI–Valentim de Carvalho, eternalizing a repertoire that celebrated their home city.
Between 2005 and 2012, Canto Nono expanded its horizons with tours across Europe, performing on stages in Germany and the Netherlands. This period was rich in experimentation, including collaborations in avant-garde theater plays and the creation of their own production “2012 FM Stereo,” which reaffirmed their ability to innovate and keep audiences captivated by the originality of their proposals.
The group was never afraid to blend genres, joining their vocal roots with jazz and participating in tributes to figures like George Gershwin. Critical recognition remained steady, as evidenced by the award for Best A Cappella Jazz Song for the track “Etelvina,” proving that the group’s technical quality remained at a level of international excellence.
Recently, Canto Nono renewed its vitality with the 2023 premiere of a show dedicated to José Mário Branco at the Coliseu do Porto, resulting in an album released the following year. This tribute to one of their great mentors demonstrated that the group continues to be a guardian of the word and of music with meaning, touching the hearts of audiences during national tours.
Their most recent path includes high-profile participations, such as Sérgio Godinho’s invitation for the “Liberdade 25” show and their presence in Porto’s 2025 New Year’s celebrations alongside Rui Veloso. The group remains at the forefront of artistic creation, collaborating with orchestras and exploring fundamental works by composers like Fernando Lopes-Graça, always with the same passion as their very first day.
With a solid discography and a history of collaborations spanning generations, Canto Nono prepares for the future with the new show “Que Voz de Liberdade é Essa?”, premiered in 2026. More than just a vocal group, they are today an institution of Portuguese culture, proving that eight voices in sync are capable of telling the most beautiful and powerful stories of our music.
