There is a profound gap between the basic meanings of the verb "to listen" and the verb "to hear". Hearing is directly related to the sense itself: the sense of hearing. Listening means being attentive to an abstract sound or the sound of a word and its meaning, which goes beyond the involuntary act of hearing. It is understanding the meaning of the sound and experiencing it rationally and emotionally. In music, as well as in life, knowing how to listen is much more than hearing. It means empathising with others, understanding them and being understood. The Setúbal International Music Festival promotes the act of listening since its origin. Only by listening, and therefore understanding difference and diversity, will we be able to give voice to a more effective equality where everyone can express themselves through music and culture as a means of sociocultural and artistic inclusion. Music is humanity's universal and emotional language and plays a fundamental role in society as a cultural toll for us to understand the value of difference. Through music we are able to listen and to give voice to each other as part of this world we inhabit. And it is in this sense that the pedagogical intention of the Setúbal International Music Festival remains increasingly active, with close cooperation with the various educational institutions in the Municipality of Setúbal, which is translated through the intense participation of young students in all concerts performed by great and renowned artists from the national and international music scene. Bruno Martins, Resident Artistic DirectorMarcelo Bratke, Guest Artistic Director