During the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama's REPCo Festival—a platform for student-led entrepreneurial projects—I co-managed and directed a performance project alongside my brother, saxophonist Diogo Fernandes. Together, we led the Vision Ensemble, overseeing all aspects of the production, from organising rehearsals and liaising with musicians to coordinating with the conductor, front-of-house, and media teams. This was more than just a concert; it was an opportunity to create something meaningful, uniting performers in a shared artistic vision.

At the heart of this project was the commission of a new concerto for saxophone, piano, and chamber orchestra by composer Gonçalo Lourenço. Blending the rich textures of the Romantic period with a contemporary musical language, the piece offered a fresh perspective on the solo concerto format. As Portuguese musicians and students at the college, Diogo and I wanted to highlight the brilliance of Portuguese composition, inviting audiences to experience the depth and innovation of music from our homeland.

The performance took place in the Dora Stoutzker Hall, bringing this ambitious collaboration to life in a professional setting. Every element of the project—from the selection of musicians to the execution of the piece—was driven by a desire to showcase artistic excellence and celebrate cultural exchange. This REPCo project was a testament to the power of student-led initiatives, demonstrating how independent artistic vision and careful planning can create something truly special.