"Os dias levantados" (The Raised Days) is the most significant work of erudite music dedicated to the events of April 25, 1974 — the Carnation Revolution, which brought democracy to Portugal.

Composed by António Pinho Vargas, a key figure in the history of contemporary Portuguese music, this opera premiered worldwide at the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos on April 25, 1998, commissioned as part of Expo 98. As António Pinho Vargas has written, April 25 "was wonderful and unforgettable." In composing the opera, he sought "the defence of impurity and freedom in the creative process."

"Os dias levantados" takes the audience to the final days of the dictatorship, a time when fear, censorship and war coexist alongside the hope of change. The Revolution breaks out, bringing together soldiers and citizens in a moment of celebration and democratic affirmation. But freedom also opens the way to clashing ideas, uncertainty, and the shared task of building a common future.

The libretto, written by Manuel Gusmão (1945-2023), mirrors that creative freedom, giving voice to a chorus of varied poetic voices. The work weaves historical events together with a symbolic dimension, reflecting on freedom, the courage to change, democracy, memory and the future.

"Os dias levantados" is one of four operas composed by António Pinho Vargas. This concert version, presented in Porto, brings the work of the Porto-born musician, composer, performer and researcher to the stage as one of the major highlights of the 2026 programme, in a co-production between Coliseu Porto Ageas and the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos.