NEW PROJECT: Journeys in Performance - Excellence as Art
A new year with new projects and missions at Through the Process!
We have been quiet over the past months, but the power of our voice to support health and wellbeing in performing arts has been active and has become stronger every day. So many experiences to share in such a journey since we created this project, with the mission to break taboos and stigmas about physical and mental health in performing arts.
Since the creation of this project over the pandemic in 2020, it matches the year when I, Tiago Carvalho, decided to take a long-term break in my career as a professional musician (Bass Trombone player) due to Musician’s Focal Dystonia, a performance-related condition I was facing since 2015. Committed to learning more and attending various conferences and workshops, my goal was to understand more about performers’ health and wellbeing and why was so challenging to get support with a performance-related condition in the arts industry without social judgement.
In 2021, I moved to London for a Master of Science in Performance Science at the Royal College of Music to learn more about Performers’ Health and Wellbeing. At the same time, I’ve put some of my dreams into practice and used some of my other life expertise (which I never dared to explore) to work as Site Manager for live events between 2021-2022.
In 2022, I delivered two lectures and a workshop in Performance Health and Wellbeing about Funcional Biomechanics in music performance - conceptions, myths, facts and the impact on the health and wellbeing at the International Trombone Festival in Braga, Portugal, organised by the Portuguese Trombone Association, and later on at ENIMUS, International Gathering of Music, Portugal.
Between August 2022- January 2025, I worked at Philharmonia Orchestra as Stage Manager, working on planning, logistics and coordination of concerts and projects, with numerous UK and overseas ours. I couldn’t feel grateful enough for share the backstage with absolutely wonderful musicians, a great team and a family working into a nourishing adventure of experiencing performance excellence from backstage.
In February 2025, I took a new challenge and joined a new wonderful team at Chamber Orchestra Of Europe as Stage and Project Manager. It is a privilege to become part of such an extraordinary orchestra renowned for its history and artistic excellence!
It’s been an unimaginable and joyful experience, developing new skills, self-awareness, a process of constant learning and growth through resilience where self-care unlocks new levels of personal development, never forgetting the most important and incredible element in any process, the people around us! We’re never alone!
Working in arts is special, and no matter what craft we have, it’s one of the most human, rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life.
Motivated by the the process of change, growth and resilience, we are thrilled to announce our new long-term project Joyneys in Performance - Excellence as Art, focusing on people’s journeys, careers, challenges, transitions and all the aspects that connect the holistic concept of performance excellence in all domains and expertise.
We will also explore and question the role of organisations and policymakers in supporting health and well-being in people’s careers and the impact on their performance excellence approach.
We will be back soon with upcoming news!!
Thank you for being with us!
Tiago Carvalho, Through the Process Project Manager
