About Gravíssimo!
Music for low brass instruments has always had its own space over time, but since 2010 it has found in Gravíssimo! - Alcobaça International Low Brass Festival and Academy, a privileged stage in a unique project with the ability to combine training with a strong component of eclectic and international cultural programming.
During the festival, the city of Alcobaça welcomes participants from many countries who, throughout the week, attend the Academy, consisting of daily Masterclasses and Workshops led by renowned artists and teachers in the brass scene, who also attend and participate in the concerts included in the Festival.
Alongside this interaction between prestigious musicians and young artists, Gravíssimo! also opens its doors to the general public at the Festival, with daily recitals and concerts that explore the peculiar sound of low brass in its most varied genres: from chamber music to jazz, new performance techniques are explored which highlight the qualities of our instruments (tuba, trombone and euphonium).
Our mission
At Gravíssimo!, our mission is to foster a community of passionate musicians dedicated to perfecting the technique of low brass instruments, including the trombone, euphonium, tuba and their respective ensembles.
Through a pedagogy of approachability, performance opportunities and an atmosphere of encouragement, we aim to inspire and empower musicians of all ages and skill levels to reach their full potential as performers, educators and ambassadors of the low brass art form.
Our goals
1. Excellence in education
To provide opportunities for learning and technical development tailored to the unique needs and objectives of each student.
2. Artistic development
To stimulate appreciation for the rich tradition and diverse repertoire of low brass music, while encouraging creative expression and the exploration of new musical horizons.
3. Engagement with the community
To foster a supportive and inclusive community where students, educators and professionals can connect, collaborate and learn from each other through workshops, masterclasses, ensemble music and moments of conviviality and musical enjoyment.
4. Publicising and promoting
To act as catalysts for the low brass community, raising awareness of its importance in the wider musical scene.
5. Inspiration and innovation
To inspire a lifelong passion for music through engaging educational experiences that awaken curiosity, creativity and a commitment to artistic excellence.
6. Leadership and Mentoring
To empower students to become leaders in their communities by providing opportunities for mentoring, leadership development and peer collaboration.
Due to our commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusion, Gravíssimo! seeks to inspire a new generation of low brass musicians who will enrich their communities and contribute to the vibrant community of the musical world.
7. Diversity and inclusion
To celebrate the diversity of our global low brass community by actively promoting inclusion, welcoming participants from all backgrounds and levels of development.
8. Professional development
To equip aspiring professionals with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to pursue successful careers in music, whether as performers or teachers.
Gabriel Antão and Maria Derevyagina in 2022
Quarteto Gravis in 2023
Bart Van Lier with R'B & Mr.SC in 2021
Robin Eubanks Quartet in 2019
Sérgio Carolino and Gene Pokorny in 2019
ABA - Banda de Alcobaça, Associação de Artes
Gravíssimo! has been organised by ABA - Banda de Alcobaça, Associação de Artes (ABA), since its first edition in 2010.
In addition to Gravíssimo!, ABA is also responsible for the organisation and production of Cistermúsica and the Óbidos Opera Festival, both of which are benchmark events in their respective fields.
DGArtes support
Gravíssimo! is organised by ABA - Banda de Alcobaça, Associação de Artes, with the support of the Ministry of Culture / Direção Geral das Artes.
EFFE Recognition
Gravíssimo! has been recognised as a Remarkable Festival by the EFA (European Festivals Association) through the award of the EFFE label (Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe) since 2017.
The EFFE label is the European symbol of quality for exceptional arts festivals that demonstrate their commitment to the arts, community involvement and international openness.