Over three weeks, a dozen venues in the city of Coimbra will host 15 concerts with various formats, from solo to large ensemble. Among the venues are prestigious structures such as the Convento São Francisco and the Teatro Académico de Gil Vincente, as well as heritage spaces such as the Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra and the Seminário Maior.

“After 21 editions, the Central Jazz Festival has certainly changed, however, the spirit that led to its creation remains timeless”, José Miguel Pereira, director of the nonprofit association Central Jazz Club, said. “We can summarise the core of this festival in three points: to show the living reality of Jazz, in its plurality and richness; to involve the city through a dense network of partnerships that allows concerts to be held in venues, heritage spaces and public spaces; and to make Encontros a place of creation.”

The festival is co-organised by the Coimbra City Council, and for the Director of the Culture and Tourism Department of Coimbra City Council, Maria Carlos Pêgo, who was present at the press conference, “the International Jazz Encounters proved to be a fundamental event for Coimbra’s cultural scene year after year. The diverse programme, which ranges from concerts by big names in international jazz to performances by new local and national talent, demonstrates the festival’s commitment to showcasing the wonders of the musical genre. The fact that it takes place in various venues in the city and involves a wide network of partnerships strengthens its bond with the community. The festival doesn’t just present concerts, but also fosters artistic creation through residencies and immersion projects involving musicians from different generations and backgrounds, thus, contributing to the formation of new talents and the revitalisation of the local music scene”.