Experience the Magic of Classical Music
Adrift in the enchanting sounds of the Goldberg Variations, sway to Bach's rhythms, and explore a fusion of classical and jazz at the Around Classic festival. Scheduled to debut on May 30, 31, and June 1, this event is part of the Festas da Cidade and aims to redefine our relationship with classical music, making it accessible to everyone—from seasoned music lovers to curious newcomers.
A Diverse Program
The festival will feature a rich lineup of concerts held in iconic venues along Avenida da Liberdade, including Parque Mayer, Variedades, Capitólio, and São Jorge. Most performances will last between 45 and 50 minutes, allowing audiences to enjoy multiple concerts throughout the day, appealing to all generations (open to ages 6 and up).
Bach Takes Center Stage
Johann Sebastian Bach will be the star of this inaugural edition, with his works reimagined to create a dialogue between the past and the present. A highlight will be the concert featuring Daniel Bernardes, Ricardo Toscano, and João Barradas at Cinema São Jorge, showcasing jazz arrangements of Bach’s compositions interspersed with contemporary themes and lesser-known pieces from the father of modern music.
Unique Interpretations
The program also includes unique recitals, such as:
- The virtuosity of Alexander Hrustevich, known as ‘the man-orchestra’, performing challenging transcriptions for accordion.
- Cello Suites by Bach with Filipe Quaresma and Pavel Gomziakov.
- Performances of the Three Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord by Sofia Diniz and Fernando Miguel Jaloto.
An Inclusive Experience
Co-produced by MegaClassic – Cultural Association and Lisboa Cultura, the festival aims to present a bold program, including:
- A Jazz Quodlibet concert featuring celebrated young musicians.
- Bach on the Rocks, a lively listening session of Bach’s music.
- A soothing concert designed to help attendees drift off to sleep, featuring the works that Bach composed for Count Keiserling.
To enhance accessibility, the festival will offer free outdoor concerts at Parque Mayer on June 1 and 50% discounts for individuals with special needs and their companions.
A Vision for Connection
Miguel Leal Coelho, the Creator and Artistic Director of Around Classic, states, "This project aims to bring classical music closer to everyone. We want each concert to be an opportunity to explore the history of music, composers, musicians, and instruments, making classical music accessible while preserving its prestige and tradition. Our goal is to forge an emotional connection through music, promoting exchange between artists of various generations reaching a diverse audience.”
Supported by the Lisbon City Council, Santo António Parish, and Égide – Portuguese Arts Association, the festival also collaborates with OPART – National Theatre of São Carlos and media partner Grupo RTP, ensuring a distinctive visual identity and communication through Luis Mileu Studio.
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