Lisbon’s Best Live Music

In Traveler magazine’s January/February issue, writer Jason Wilson introduces his wife to Lisbon, Portugal, and its soulful fado music scene. Here, we offer our take on the best music events in Lisbon and its surrounding areas.

May 3-5, 2002
Musical Marathon in Belem
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s best classical musicians are celebrated as they perform original works and creations influenced by such international legends as J.S. Bach and Beethoven. Performances play concurrently on multiple stages, allowing audiences to sample different lineups and styles. Performers offer free music lessons between sessions, and local restaurants serve specialties. Held at the Belem Cultural Center. +21 361 2444

May 20-June 3, 2002
The Gulbenkian Contemporary Music Encounters
Lisbon, Portugal
Members of the Caloust Gulbenkian Foundation, an organization that fosters art education, and Culturgest, an institution that promotes appreciation of 20th-century art, stage this annual event to teach modern styles in music performed throughout the world. Such acts as the local Remix Ensemble and the Californian composer Terry Riley perform original works, which reflect the influences of western art and music on Asiatic countries. Musicologists also lecture on related topics. Held at the Gulbenkian Grand Auditorium and Culturgest Grand Auditorium. +21 782 3000

May 2002—call in April for dates and location
Africa Culture Day
Lisbon, Portugal
In the mid-1970s, when African colonies in Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau gained independence, tens of thousands moved to Portugal to begin new lives—and introduced rich musical traditions still celebrated today. Last year thousands of music lovers from around the world gathered to watch African artists perform tribal music and dance. Members of Portugal’s African Community also sell tribal crafts and serve traditional fare. +21 382 0000

June-July 2002—call in April for dates.
Sintra Festival
Sintra, Portugal
Such performers as American singer Barbara Hendricks, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the Portuguese Gulbenkian Orchestra play Romance piano repertoires. “Ballet Nights” punctuate the musical shows with performances by the American Paul Taylor Dance Company and the Russian Theatre Ballet in the gardens at the Palace of Seteais. Performers offer free music lessons, and local chefs serve up specialties. Held at the World Heritage Village of Sintra, located 20 minutes north of Lisbon. Fee. +21 924 3518

August 1-31, 2002
Jazz at the Gulbenkian
Lisbon, Portugal
International jazz stars as well as up-and-coming local performers swing, riff, and improv in the lush gardens that surround the Caloust Gulbenkian Foundation. Performers offer free jazz lessons between jam sessions, and vendors sell traditional fare. Held at the Caloust Gulbenkian Foundation. +21 782 3463; e-mail: cam.producao@gulbenkian.pt

—Reported by Davin Coburn

Davin Coburn is a former Traveler editorial assistant.