The story of The Music Society of St. Helen’s is one of steady and substantial growth. In September 1974, a group of Portuguese music enthusiasts living in and around Santa Cruz Parish in Toronto wished to continue their traditions and love of music. They formed the first directorship of the Banda do Sagrado Coração de Jesus. Comprised of 30 musicians, the band made its first public appearance in the spring of 1975 during the feast of the Holy Spirit at Santa Cruz. Today, the band is still fortunate to have active veterans, including Mr. Alberto Moniz and Mr. Joao Ferreira.

In 1978, the band moved from Santa Cruz Parish to St. Helen’s Parish to make room for a school. Welcomed by Father Liborio Tavares, the society has remained at St. Helen’s for the last 50 years. Today, the organization continues to thrive through a thankful collaboration with Father Willyans Rapozo.

While deeply rooted in the Portuguese community, The Music Society of St. Helen’s has always looked outward. We have participated in numerous events within the Italian, Spanish, and English communities across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Our reach has also extended far beyond the city; in July 1983, at the invitation of MP Aideen Nicholson, the band performed an open-air concert beside the Federal Parliament Building in Ottawa for Canada Day, under the directorship of Mr. Manuel Pires.

The band’s travels have taken them across North America and beyond. We have performed at the feasts of Senhor Santo Cristo in Montreal and Kingston, and our first international performance took place in Peabody, Massachusetts, in 1983. This was followed by four return trips to Fall River. In 1988, the band traveled to St. Michael’s, Azores, Portugal, performing in Ponta Delgada and marching to the military fort in São Braz, where we were honored with a memorable reception at city hall.

The Society has evolved into a sophisticated and innovative organization. As a proud member of ACAPO, we actively contribute to events across the organization and have performed for notable dignitaries, including former Premier Kathleen Wynne and Finance Minister Charles Sousa. Between 1997 and 2002, the society produced three successful recordings, using a portion of the proceeds to donate $1,000 to The Children’s Aid Organization of Açores.

Our success is built on the foundation of our members. While the choir was an integral part of the organization until 2010, the band continues to flourish under dedicated leadership. We honor past presidents like Manuel Coelho, Eddie Costa, Pitty Domingos, and Americo Rego, as well as past conductors such as Jose Manuel Resendes, Miguel Domingos, Joao Soares, and Artur Macedo.

The current conductor, Mr. Sandro Melo, has served for nearly a decade. A native of Ginetes, Azores, Mr. Melo has modernized the organization and travels a great distance to lead rehearsals. His dedication to our music school ensures that our traditions continue through the next generation. Today, the society operates both an orchestral band and a music school, which is offered free of charge to the community, fostering a positive environment where students and veterans play side-by-side.

What began as a dream over 50 years ago has evolved into a pillar of the community. Despite the challenges faced over the decades, the commitment of our members, families, and volunteers remains unshakable. We will always strive to bring the gift of music to our Christian community and the community at large.