Gulbenkian Summer Garden: A Celebration of Lusophone Culture
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon is set to become a vibrant hub of Lusophone heritage this month. The foundation announced today that its “Jardim de Verão” (Summer Garden) festival will return from June 27 to July 12, offering a rich program that celebrates the diverse cultures of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Portugal.
Curated by Portuguese musician Dino D’Santiago alongside Alexandra Matos and Luís Almeida, the festival spans three consecutive weekends. Events will be hosted across the foundation’s iconic grounds, including the Grand Auditorium, the Open-Air Amphitheatre, and the newly renovated Modern Art Center.
A Fusion of Sounds at the Grand Auditorium
The Grand Auditorium will showcase a sophisticated blend of genres. Highlights include Bokor’s unique mix of pop, jazz, and bossa nova, and Rita Vian, who bridges the gap between traditional Fado and modern urban poetry. Experimental pop artist Alex D’Alva is also slated to perform.
Cape Verdean culture takes center stage with Nancy Vieira, one of the archipelago’s most acclaimed voices, and the legendary group Os Tubarões, founded in 1969. They are joined by Toty Sa’Med, a rising star in the contemporary Angolan music scene.
Rhythms Under the Stars
The Open-Air Amphitheatre will feature energetic performances designed to get the audience moving. Notable acts include Bandua, known for their electronic reimagining of Portuguese folk music, and Soraia Ramos, the history-making artist who was the first Lusophone singer featured on Apple Music’s Africa cover. Brazilian powerhouse Melly and Cape Verdean jazz fusionist Zubikilla will also perform, alongside the experimental soul-hop of Libra.
The festival will conclude with a high-energy set from Fogo Fogo, promising a blend of funaná, dub, and afrobeat. Under the Engawa, festival-goers can enjoy DJ sets from Indi Mateta, Umafricana, Berlok, and Adison Fernando.
More Than Just Music
Beyond the concerts, “Jardim de Verão” offers a deep dive into visual storytelling. The Studio will screen the seven-episode anthology Novas Narrativas de Caça (New Narratives of the Hunt). Each screening will be followed by panel discussions involving directors, actors, and special guests to explore the themes of the work.
The festival will reach its crescendo on July 12 with a special onstage meeting between Cape Verdean icons Os Tubarões and the festival’s own curator, Dino D’Santiago.
Image: Pexels – skigh_tv
