Lisbon to Host the Inaugural Portuguese Guitar Festival Celebrating Carlos Paredes' Legacy

Lisbon Welcomes the First Edition of the Portuguese Guitar Festival

This exciting event aims to honor the legacy of Carlos Paredes, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday in 2025. On March 7 and 8, five venues in Lisbon – including the Cinema S. Jorge and the Capitólio and Variedades theaters – will host over 80 musicians from various generations and styles, featuring a program filled with concerts, lectures, and documentary screenings.

The festival will kick off with the Lisbon Sinfonietta Orchestra, directed by Vasco Pearce de Azevedo, with guitarist Paulo Jorge performing an original piece titled “Mata de Lobos.” On the same day, Henrique Fraga will present two recitals at the Teatro Variedades, followed by Armindo Fernandes.

On March 8, renowned artist José Manuel Neto, known for his collaborations with artists like Camané and Maria Amélia Proença, will perform at the Cinema São Jorge, while Pedro Caldeira Cabral will take the stage at the Capitólio. The festival will also feature Luísa Amaro, the oldest active professional guitarist and a former companion of Carlos Paredes, presenting two recitals titled “Sons da Guitarra — 100 years of Carlos Paredes.”

In addition to the musical performances, the festival will include engaging lectures such as “António Chainho interviewed by Moema Silva,” discussing the career of guitarist António Chainho, and a conversation with Luísa Amaro about her collaboration with Carlos Paredes. There will also be a workshop on guitar construction, led by masters Acácio Rodrigues and Rita Marcelino.

Each day of the I Festival da Guitarra Portuguesa will conclude with a social gathering and a signing session featuring all the performing artists, starting at midnight at the Cinema São Jorge.