The first baby composers in concert
Musicalmente and Paulo Lameiro Cooperative
Photos by Joaquim Dâmaso
Interviews conducted by Jessica Germano
Leiria, 6th July 2025
Yesterday, on 6th July, those who will be the first baby composers in the AMPLIFY project met for the first time in a concert setting at the Miguel Franco Theatre in Leiria, Portugal.
A European research project is underway to facilitate and promote the digital transition in the cultural and creative industries. By merging physical and digital (phygital) experiences, AMPLIFY is creating innovative ways of connecting creators and audiences!
One of the four pilot projects is taking place in Portugal, promoted by the Paulo Lameiro Cooperative with Musicalmente, and in Leiria, UNESCO Creative City of Music, the protagonists are babies. In the context of a concert dedicated to them, in real time, technological tools will transform the reactions that babies have when they listen to music into graphic musical notation.
Professional performers will therefore be able to read and play, through augmented reality glasses, the music inspired by the babies and their mums and dads. To the information provided by the babies, and with the help of Artificial Intelligence, the emotions of their mums and dads will also be added. These first few months of the project are therefore particularly important, in which researchers in technology and the human-centred approach co-design the entire journey from listening to the baby to the final artistic result induced by the baby. The team of European researchers has already heard from mums and dads about some of the premises they consider essential for involving their babies in this project. Today, with their sons and daughters on their laps, they attended a special concert dedicated to them, and at the end they re-emphasised some of their ideas. Here are some of what they shared.
Main motivations for participation
- Interest in the sensory and emotional development of babies through music (Catarina and Pedro’s mum).
- Appreciation of the artistic and educational component of the project, with a focus on musical curation and the positive response of the children (Leonardo’s parents).
- Curiosity about the innovative and pioneering nature of AMPLIFY, combined with the desire for social integration for children outside of nursery school (Tiago’s mum).
Expectations in relation to AMPLIFY:
- Total openness to the experience, without rigid expectations, but with enthusiasm (João and Carminho’s families).
- Desire to see technology give new meaning to simple elements, such as water or natural sounds, in a musical context (Rita’s mum and dad).
Perceived impact of Concerts for Babies:
- Positive sensory development and strengthening of family bonds (Simão and Lara’s families)
- Significant emotional and motor reactions from the children during the concerts (Pedro’s father)
- Recognising concerts as a safe, artistic and relational space that promotes family well-being (Luísa and Francisco’s families)
The first works written by this group of baby composers will be performed in June 2027. Until then, the first laboratories will begin in the next five months to test the augmented reality glasses that the artists will use with the notation written in real time by the babies, and during the first half of 2026 the first tests will be made with the scores resulting from sensors and emotion readers.
