In 2017, he delivered the Eurovision stage-shaking performance that earned him and his nation, Portugal, the crown. Salvador Sobral is arriving in the Canary Islands for the first time as part of the Jazz&Más Festival program, performing in two capitals.
Salvador Sobral, the Eurovision 2017 champion, touched down in the Canary Islands for the inaugural visit of the new Canarias Jazz&Mas International Festival. The singer-songwriter will take the stage at Teatro Leal in La Laguna on Wednesday, July 12, and the following night at Pérez Galdós in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, both at 20:30. This appearance marks a key moment before the release of his forthcoming album Door bell, scheduled for September.
These are Sobral’s first performances in the Canary Islands. Do you know the musical rhythms of the archipelago? Could they spark a new composition or mood in your work?
Everything in the world can spark new music. A friend recently shared the timelist Hirahi Afonso, and Sobral found a deep resonance in it.
What approach did Sobral bring to his Jazz&Más Festival set?
The program will close the current album cycle, Beats/Minute. The repertoire is versatile, with new material prepared for 2021 and a strong emphasis on improvisation, on-stage dialogue, and spontaneous interaction with the audience. The artist aims for a sense of freedom during performances.
What does Sobral think of the festival itself?
Jazz&Más Festival stands as a leading participant in Spain. Pairing it with the tropical beauty of the Canary Islands creates a perfect invitation for listeners and travelers alike.
Is Sobral open to sharing the stage with guests on this tour?
Sobral admires Alfredo Rodríguez and has shared festivals with him across Europe. He also holds Carmen Souza in high regard and has long admired Manu Katché, a premier figure in percussion. He would welcome a collaboration with Katché someday, though he jokes that it might not happen.
After years on the road, does Sobral still perform for the joy of it?
Yes, now more than ever. Time with his daughter and time on stage are both sources of fulfillment. Industry pressure and health concerns fade in importance when music and family are in view.
Sobral has toured the world. Is his music equally welcomed in every country?
Reception varies by country. Dutch audiences bring humor that colorizes the performance, while Brazilian crowds offer a sense of life and urgency that leaves a lasting impression. Sobral cherishes these distinct reactions.
Sobral has sung in more than 30 languages. Is there a language in which his music feels especially at home?
Singing in Portuguese always feels like coming home. The language carries memories, love, and sorrow, shaping the emotional core of the performances.
Sobral writes some songs and performs others he didn’t compose. Does he have a preference between these two modes?
Sobral loves singing, whether he wrote it or someone else did. The craft of singing itself is what fascinates him, and it often reveals more than the act of writing alone.
What should fans expect from the upcoming album Door bell?
The project presents a bright, clear sound with a touch of folk influences. It hints at a tropical direction, with a focus on warmth and clarity rather than pure jazz.
After the victory, does Sobral continue to engage with the Eurovision platform? What are his thoughts on the latest winner, Loreen?
Sobral has not kept up with every year’s contest and has not followed the recent winner closely. His own path remains focused on musical exploration rather than competition.
How does Sobral invite Canarian audiences to his concerts?
He invites all Canarians to enjoy the performances, promising a night of vivid energy and shared moments that celebrate the live music experience.