The Orquestra Jazz Algarve was founded in 2004 within the Lagos Jazz Festival. In keeping with the classic style of the late 20’s, following on from the likes of bands led by Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. It was created spontaneously, without the support of the Central Portuguese Government, at that time but very much the willingness and support of the Municipality of Lagos – Algarve.
Hugo Alves is the founder of the project, a Portuguese trumpeter of recognized national and international acclaim, who in addition to being a Musician, Musical Director and Producer, holds the Academic Title of Specialist Professor in Jazz (Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 2013), along with a degree in Business Administration (University of The Algarve, 1996). Lagos Jazz was already a project that lasted ten years, and which placed Lagos on the European Jazz Map.
The Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve had a clearly defined strategy, based on three pillars still fundamental to its activity: Music on Stage, the Educational Service, and Production. The project, considered by many to be unique at the national level, grew on all fronts. It is today one of the projects within the national musical area, that receives the most support, since 2006 it has received support from the General Directorate of Arts – Ministry of Culture, currently with Sustained Support (2018-2021 and 2022), and it is supported directly by most of the 16 Municipalities that make up the Algarve map. It also brings together other relevant private supporters, of which we can highlight the Vale de Lobo Resort. The Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve also holds all possible official recognitions: Portuguese Public Utility, Cultural Patronage, Declaration of High Cultural Interest, to name a few.
The Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve has been a partner of several public and private entities, such as the 365 Algarve Program managed by the Algarve Tourism Region, which for example allowed the production of the Algarve Jazz Gourmet Moments Festival from 2017-2020 , the biggest event of its kind in that Region which combined the concept of regional gastronomy, Gourmet food and Jazz.
Over the last 16 years of musical activities the Orquestra can boast an enviable record of internationally renowned players such from the World of Jazz such as; Tom Harrell, Benny Golson, Silge Nergaard, Rick Margitza, Dena DeRose, Tutu Puoane, Silvia Donati, Max Ionata, Andrej Olenijack , among many others.
Additionally resident musicians such as: Jeff Davis, Michael Lauren, Maria Anadon, Ana Rita Inácio, Kiko Pereira, Sara Miguel, Clara Buser, Mário Delgado or Desidério Lázaro, Ana Laíns, Cherry, to name a few. Alongside with all these musicians and artists, a diverse collection of repertoires has been created and recreated, to allow this type of music to flourish.
Despite wearing the name of a region the group is very much a national Portuguese Asset. It resides in the Algarve where it was founded, it involves a professional structure, of more than 16 musicians, and around 24 people in total within its operation.
The sustainability of this Orchestra is currently maintained by the unconditional support of the Municipalities of the Algarve, maintaining its registered office in Faro, and the Artist Residency in Lagoa. It is also maintained by the support already mentioned from DGArtes and some Private Supporters. In recent years, the average occupancy of Concert Room and Venues is over 92%, with annual audiences of more than 32 thousand (data from DGArtes Reports).
