João Barradas to receive Municipal Merit Medal of Gold Grade

Accordionist and composer João Barradas will be awarded the Municipal Merit Medal of Gold Grade by the Benavente Municipal Council. The ceremony is scheduled for October 30 at 21:30 at the Samora Correia Cultural Center.

The distinction recognizes Barradas’s significant artistic career and his international reputation, which brings prestige to his home region. His musical work spans classical music, jazz, and improvisation. Notable achievements include winning the PLAY Award for Best Jazz Album and receiving international honors such as the Trophée Mondial de l’Accordéon, the Coupe Mondiale, and the Castelfidardo International Competition. He was also named an ECHO Rising Star by the European Concert Hall Organisation.

The award ceremony will take place prior to a concert by Barradas that concludes the current Music Season.