It is a profound honour to welcome Maria João Pires as the guest artist of this first edition of the MindfulSound Retreat.

Beyond her celebrated career, Maria João Pires has dedicated much of her life to projects that promote human development, conscious education and a responsible relationship with the planet.  Her presence  as guest in the MindfulSound Pianist Retreat brings a unique combination of artistic excellence, human sensitivity and ethical commitment that continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the globe.

Her participation focuses exclusively on piano and musical interpretation, offering individual teaching that are open to the whole group,creating a space for everyone to take part in the learning process and the integration of the artistic work.

Throughout the retreat, she will address the themes she has selected for this edition, including:

• the participation of the body in piano technique
• rhythm or metric structure and their possible incompatibilities
• the role of the performer in written music
• emotional control.

It is an honour to welcome Professor Carlos Vasconcelos, a leading figure in Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, whose devoted commitment to scientific excellence and to those under his care enriches this gathering in a profound way.

A physician since 1976 and a specialist in Internal Medicine, Professor Carlos Vasconcelos holds a PhD from the University of Porto in the field of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Served as Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Hospital Santo António (HSA) and as Adjunct Full Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), positions in which remains actively involved.

Founded and directed the Clinical Immunology Unit (UIC), dedicated to primary immunodeficiencies, HIV‑associated immunodeficiencies, autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, until 2016. Later co‑founded the Autoimmune Diseases Unit at the Tâmega e Vale de Sousa Hospital Centre (2017–2023).

From 1990 to 2016, coordinated the Hospital Infection Control Committee at HSA and was a member of the National Committee for the Fight Against AIDS since its creation.

Has collaborated with Guinea‑Bissau in medical training since 1997 and was part of the One Health Working Group at ICBAS between 2020 and 2023.

Was President of the European Lupus Congress in 2011, served on the scientific committees of major Autoimmunity congresses, and is the Honorary President of PAM – Porto’s Autoimmunity Meeting.

In 2016, was awarded the National Internal Medicine Award, instituted for the first time by the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Filipe Palavra, a distinguished Neurologist whose career reflects a deep commitment to clinical research and the advancement of neurology in Portugal. His presence at the The MindfulSound Pianist Retreat offers a unique opportunity to engage with specialized knowledge, human sensitivity, and an integrated vision of neurological health.

• Neurologist
• Director of the Child Development Center at the Pediatric Hospital of the Local Health Unit of Coimbra
• Guest Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra
• President of the Portuguese Headache Society
• Vice-President of the Neurology College of the Portuguese Medical Association