Monserrate Park inaugurates a jazz cycle with four evening concerts

Updated on 13-09-2022 | Change of venue for concert by Afonso Pais, 15/09/2022

The venue for the concert "Afonso Pais - O Que Já Importa", part of the Jazz in Monserrate cycle, scheduled for 15 September, will be changed due to the rain forecast for that day. Instead of taking place on the lawn of Monserrate Park, it will take place in the Acácio Barreiros Auditorium of the Olga Cadaval Cultural Centre in Sintra (https://goo.gl/maps/i22MxMqmQgQ5skz68) at 7.30pm.

Tickets still available: https://bilheteira.parquesdesintra.pt/evento/jazz-em-monserrate-concerto-afonso-pais-15092022/342/pt

This summer, Parques de Sintra celebrates the full return of cultural events with a new addition to its programme. Between 15 and 18 September, night on the lawn of Monserrate Park will fall to the sound of jazz. The "Jazz in Monserrate" cycle kicks off with a programme that includes not only renowned names but also young artists, who will provide the public with a journey through the various currents of contemporary Portuguese jazz, in a demonstration of originality and creative effervescence. These concerts constitute a unique cultural experience, creating a dialogue between music, heritage and nature.

Featuring artists recognised nationally and internationally for the quality and creativity of their work, the programme consists of four concerts which represent four opportunities to rediscover the idyllic atmosphere of the Park and Palace of Monserrate enhanced by jazz, which is a musical style that thrives on cross-pollination and sharing between artists.

The cycle opens on 15 September with "O que já importa", in which Afonso Pais' guitar acts as the nerve centre of a concert whose themes are born from the blues and flow into ethereal melodies full of nostalgia and messages taking the form of mantras. Accompanying him throughout the evening – whether in symbiosis or in counterpoint – is a trio of voices (João Neves, Nazaré da Silva, and Maria Luísa) and a rhythm section formed by João Hasselberg on bass and João Pereira on drums.

The next day, it is the saxophone that takes the spotlight with the Tomás Marques Quartet, winner of the 2019 Young Musicians Award. Tomás Marques is one of the most prominent saxophonists of the new generation and writer of his band's themes. He performs with Samuel Gapp on piano, Rodrigo Correia on bass and Diogo Alexandre on drums. Originally from Lisbon's Escola Superior de Música, the group has mastered various recent styles with originality and daring.

On 17 September, the irreverence of "Dianho", with guitarist and composer André Fernandes, will be unleashed in Monserrate, in an evocation of the pagan imagery still very present in some regions of Portugal. This groups is known for its electrifying compositions that fuse diverse influences such as rock. In this contemporary revisitation of Portuguese ancestry, André Fernandes is accompanied by saxophonists José Pedro Coelho and João Mortágua; bassist Francisco Brito; and drummer João Pereira.

On 18 September, Mário Laginha Trio closes "Jazz in Monserrate" with a golden key, at a time when the group, formed 16 years ago, is releasing a new album of originals. A key point of reference in Portuguese jazz, the pianist and composer Mário Laginha is supported by renowned musicians Bernardo Moreira on double bass and Alexandre Frazão on drums. Blending a range of influences, they give life to sophisticated musical creations that are brightened by improvisation to touch the pinnacle of artistic expression.

"Jazz in Monserrate" is promoted by Parques de Sintra and produced by Clave na Mão, with artistic conception by the musician, composer and conductor Pedro Moreira. The event is supported BPI/Fundação "la Caixa", Tranquilidade, Altice Empresas, as technological partners, and Antena 2 and SAPO as media partners.

Tickets can be purchased on the Parques de Sintra website for €15 per concert or €51 for the complete cycle. Concerts include a free visit to Monserrate Park and Palace, which opens at 6:30 pm for concerts starting at 7:30 pm.