The concerts were originally meant for Hydro employees, to celebrate several anniversaries in Albras, Alunorte and Paragominas – where Hydro has operations.

(See a-ha frontman Morten Harket's video salute to schoolchildren in Brazil, further down)
   
However, the concerts were opened up to more a-ha fans in Brazil because of the enormous interest shown by the general public when word of the concerts got out. And people were more than happy to donate school supplies.

"A-ha is a part of my life. When I was a teenager I listened to them a lot. I am very happy to get the tickets, but also because Hydro has given me the chance to give a schoolbag and school supplies to children who need them," said one of the many a-ha fans in the region.

“Put them to good use”

Both shows were big successes, and more than 9000 schoolbags were donated. Hydro volunteers are currently distributing them all to children across the state of Pará.

A-ha front man, Morten Harket, is grateful that the cooperation between Hydro and the band contributes to the promotion of education in Brazil.
 
- I hope that you are putting your school supplies to good use. It is through education that you can build a future for you and for your loved ones, Harket says in a salute to schoolchildren in Pará.

A shared celebration of history and renewal

In addition to promoting education, the two a-ha concerts were part of Hydro’s Renew campaign. Hydro celebrates 100 years as an aluminum company in 2015, and the foundation for another 100 years is being laid through renewal, improvement and innovation.

At the same time, a-ha marks the 30th anniversary of their international breakthrough and their popularity in Brazil is proof of how the band manages to stay highly relevant through creating new songs and renewing old ones.

For more background material from our collaboration with a-ha, and other artists, follow us on social media:

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