QuebraJazz: World Premiere of «Contraponto» at Quinta das Lágrimas

At the heart of the Festival das Artes QuebraJazz 2026, the musical programme begins on 14 July at the open-air Colina de Camões amphitheatre, set in the romantic gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas in Coimbra. The highlight is the world premiere of «Contraponto» by the Jeffery Davis Quintet, the work that lends its name to the theme of this 17th edition.

The concert opens a music cycle running through July and August, with 28 cultural moments spanning jazz, classical music, dance and visual arts. Following this premiere, the line-up includes the Quatuor Tchalik, the Hot Clube de Portugal Orchestra with John Hollenbeck, Bianca Gismonti, pianist David Fray with his «Baroque Encores» recital (21 July) and the Gulbenkian Orchestra, which closes the main programme on 22 July with Dvořák's Cello Concerto and Beethoven's Symphony No. 5.

Quinta das Lágrimas is one of Coimbra's most symbolic sites, tied to the legend of the tragic love of Pedro and Inês. Watching a concert at dusk in the Colina de Camões amphitheatre, surrounded by the greenery of the historic gardens, is an experience that blends high-quality music with a truly unique setting.

The festival also offers 13 free-admission events, including jazz concerts on the Escadas do Quebra-Costas in the UNESCO-listed historic centre throughout August — a relaxed and accessible way to enjoy the city's cultural atmosphere in summer.

Tickets for the paid concerts are available at the festival box office, FNAC Coimbra, the Almedina bookshop at Estádio de Coimbra, and online via Eventbrite. For visitors passing through Coimbra in July, this opening night is an excellent gateway to discover the musical richness of QuebraJazz and the beauty of the Quinta das Lágrimas gardens.