Fall asleep to the sound of the Goldberg Variations, dance to the rhythm of Bach, and explore the fusion between classical and jazz: this is the proposal of Around Classic, a festival that aims to reinvent the way we experience and feel classical music. Debuting on May 30, 31 and June 1, the event is part of Lisbon’s Festas da Cidade and was created with the mission of challenging perceptions and making classical music accessible to everyone — from seasoned music lovers to curious and diverse audiences.

With a program that includes indoor and outdoor concerts, as well as a children’s theatre performance, the festival will host events in emblematic venues along the Avenida da Liberdade — including Parque Mayer, Teatro Variedades, Capitólio, and Cinema São Jorge. Most concerts will last between 45 and 50 minutes, allowing audiences to attend several performances in a single day — creating a dynamic, intergenerational experience (open to everyone aged 6 and up).

Johann Sebastian Bach will be the central figure of this first edition, with his work reimagined in a dialogue between past and present. One of the most anticipated events is the concert featuring Daniel Bernardes, Ricardo Toscano, and João Barradas at Cinema São Jorge — presenting jazz arrangements of Bach’s compositions, interspersed with contemporary themes and lesser-known works by the composer often referred to as the father of modern music.

The program also includes unique recitals exploring Bach’s music: the virtuosity of Ukrainian Alexander Hrustevich, known as “the one-man orchestra,” will bring demanding transcriptions for accordion; Filipe Quaresma and Pavel Gomziakov will perform the Cello Suites; and Sofia Diniz with Fernando Miguel Jalôto will interpret the Three Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord.

Co-produced by MegaClassic – Associação Cultural and Lisboa Cultura, the festival embraces bold programming, featuring proposals such as “Quodlibet – Jazz on Bach” with acclaimed young musicians; “Bach on the Rocks,” a danceable Bach listening session; and “Bach in Avenida,” a series of short performances held in public spaces along Avenida da Liberdade. The festival is also marked by its commitment to inclusion, offering free outdoor concerts at Parque Mayer on June 1, and 50% discounts for people with special needs and their companions.

Bach in Avenida: Outdoor Music for Everyone – From May 26 to 28, the festival takes over Avenida da Liberdade with free, small-scale musical performances in unexpected locations. A series of moments designed to surprise passersby and visitors alike, supported by the Associação Avenida.

According to Miguel Leal Coelho, founder and artistic director of Around Classic:

“This project was born with the mission of bringing classical music closer to everyone. We want each concert to be an opportunity to share more about the history of music, the composers, the performers, and the instruments — making classical music accessible without losing its prestige and tradition. Our goal is to establish an emotional connection through music, promoting encounters between artists of different generations and audiences from all walks of life.”

The Around Classic festival is supported by the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, the Junta de Freguesia de Santo António, and Égide – Associação Portuguesa das Artes. As institutional partner, the OPART – Teatro Nacional de São Carlos is featured, and Grupo RTP joins as media partner. The festival also collaborates with Luis Mileu Studio, reinforcing its commitment to a distinctive visual identity and communication style.

Tickets are now available via:

https://blueticket.meo.pt/pt/search?q=around&page=2

About Around Classic

Around Classic is an innovative festival that aims to redefine how we experience classical music, making it accessible to all. Held annually in Lisbon, the festival transforms the city into a stage for musical experiences, with concerts in iconic venues and open-air performances. With programming that includes both established names and emerging talent, Around Classic offers a unique and inclusive approach to classical music, with special  attention to families and younger audiences. Through short-format concerts (45–50 minutes) and curation that blends tradition with modernity, the festival invites everyone to rediscover classical music in a fresh and captivating way.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Pure – Adriana Matos | adriana.cmatos@pure.pt