Joachim Kühn Opens Gulbenkian’s 42nd Jazz em Agosto Festival in Lisbon

German pianist Joachim Kühn, aged 82, launched the 42nd edition of the Jazz em Agosto festival at the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon on 1 August. The opening solo piano concert, the only one held in the Grande Auditório, marks the festival’s continuation through 9 August with a program of 14 concerts across several venues.

Artistic director Rui Neves highlighted the rarity of Kühn’s solo performances, noting his lasting influence on jazz innovation. The lineup also includes Portuguese musicians David Maranha and Rodrigo Amado, American quartet Canyon, poet‑performer Fred Moten with bassist Brandon Lopez, and other international acts such as Shardik, LUME, and the French quartet Bonbon Flamme.