With an eye on what Porto Pianofest has achieved over the past decade while already looking ahead to the next, Nuno Marques, the founder of the event, sought to preview in New York what attendees can expect during the program scheduled from August 1 to 12 at various locations around Porto.
“People here in the United States are starting to know about our festival, support it, and that translates into direct and indirect support. Out of the 10 years of the festival, this is already the 8th gala we’re hosting in New York because we really want to have a presence here. (…) New York is our second home,” explained the Portuguese pianist, who resides in the American city.
Also residing and born in New York is pianist Mariel Mayz, who performed on Monday night alongside Cuban Yosvany Terry, praising both the city of Porto and the Porto Pianofest, where he appeared last year.
“The Porto Pianofest benefits the city, its residents, musicians, but especially music students by creating unique opportunities for those learning, creating knowledge (…). Besides, it’s very worthwhile to visit Porto, it’s a wonderful city,” stated the saxophonist to the audience during Monday night’s event at the Yamaha Artists Services auditorium in Manhattan.
The presentation in New York was also graced by the Consul General of Portugal in the city, Luísa Pais Lowe, who emphasized the event’s importance in promoting Portuguese culture in the United States.
For the first time, the auditorium at the Serralves Museum will be among the venues hosting Porto Pianofest, joining the Palácio da Bolsa, Casa da Música, and the Rectorate of the University of Porto.
Among the debuts is contemporary music pianist Anthony DeMare, who will be in Portugal for the first time with an exclusive selection of compositions — “Liaisons Project,” performing on August 10.
Another premiere in the national territory is expected on August 9, featuring percussionist Liliana de Los Reyes and pianist Nicole Wakabayashi. The American indie music duo, who also sing, will be accompanied by the Orquestra Sinfonietta de Braga in an open-air concert.
“Every year, we want to bring novelties to the audience, inviting artists debuting in Portugal or bringing a musical selection that provides different ways to understand the piano. We will do this once again, but as it is a commemorative edition, we also want to bring back artists who have been part of the Porto Pianofest, making this a celebration of our history,” emphasized Nuno Marques.
In addition to new features, the cultural event has planned at least four returnees. Pianist Alexander Kobrin will close the festival at the Palácio da Bolsa, after having opened the 6th edition of Porto Pianofest.
The festival’s second day, August 2, will feature a performance by Portuguese pianist Artur Pizarro, who headlined the opening of the first edition. Canadian pianist Jean Saulnier will also return, while Spanish José Ramon Mendez will have performed his 10th concert at the 10th edition.
“The festival has seen growth that, for us, is exciting. We started in 2016 with a small program, and now we offer two weeks of music on increasingly varied and dynamic stages: we can have a concert in a garden, a session for children, or a renowned artist at Casa da Música,” added the festival creator.
In the 2024 edition, Porto Pianofest offered more than 30 hours of music across 11 different locations. A total of 23 concerts showcased 90 musical pieces by about 30 artists, 11 of whom were making their debut in Portugal, according to the organization.
