Post | SMARTx

By Joana Patacas*, on August 20, 2024

Luis Miguel Macedo is a talented Portuguese trumpeter, percussionist and drummer with an impressive musical career. Born into a family of musicians, he began his musical studies at the age of seven with teacher José Fernando and soon demonstrated an innate passion for music.

“For me, music is the most important thing in my life. I was born with music and have always been surrounded by it. It is part of my daily life, whether I am playing the trumpet, drums or piano. It is a part of me and my soul.”

He began his musical studies at the age of seven and in 2004 he entered the Porto Conservatory of Music (CMP). In 2010, he participated in a Masterclass with Professor Pierre Dutot and joined the Porto Conservatory of Music Jazz Orchestra . Two years later, in 2012, he joined ESMAE in the jazz trumpet section, where he graduated. He was lead trumpet of the CMP Jazz Orchestra and the ESMAE BigBand, and his orchestral experience is vast, having been part of several other important jazz orchestras and big bands in Portugal, such as the Matosinhos Jazz Orchestra , the Espinho Jazz Orchestra and the HotFive Big Band .

"My biggest influences are the people who play alongside me, because in our musical journey we are always learning. As each person has their own unique way of playing, I always take something from my colleagues and students."

Luis Macedo has performed on stages all over the country and participated in numerous renowned festivals, such as Guimarães Jazz, MUSA Cascais, Festival Porta-Jazz, among others. He has collaborated with great names in international and national jazz, sharing the stage with musicians such as Maria João, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Tiago Nacarato, among others. His recordings include work with the CMP Jazz Orchestra, Os Azeitonas and several other projects.

“Humility is the most important thing. It is essential to be mature and humble because in music there is no such thing as “the best” or “the worst.”

In addition to his career as an instrumentalist, Luis has taught trumpet and is anofficial artist for Yamaha Music Global , sE Electronics andDenis Wick Products . A recent highlight of his career was the invitation to perform as principal trumpet with the prestigious hr-Bigband of Frankfurt Radio .

Currently, Luis Miguel Macedo is lead trumpet of the Orquestra Jazz de Matosinhos, has the duo "LUSO" with percussionist Sofia Costa and works as a freelancer in several national and international fields as a percussionist and drummer.

In this exclusive interview with SMARTx , we will learn more about the career, influences, challenges and projects of this multifaceted and promising musician in the Portuguese jazz scene. Luis Miguel Macedo shares his passion for music and leaves inspiring advice for the new generations of musicians. A conversation not to be missed with one of the greatest talents of current national jazz.

How and at what age did you discover your passion for music?

I have been in contact with music since I was born, as I come from a family of musicians. My grandfather, José Alves Macedo, was a well-known Portuguese trumpeter with the Orquestra Rádio Difusão Portuguesa (now the Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto / Casa da Música) and a professor at the Porto Conservatory of Music. He is said to have been the “father” of brass instruments in Porto, as most Portuguese brass players were his students. He also played with renowned musicians such as Luciano Pavarotti and Montserrat Caballé, among others. I am also the son of the maestro, master, percussionist and composer Luis Fernando Costa Macedo.

What are your biggest influences?

It's the people who play alongside me, because in our musical journey we are always learning. Since each person has their own unique way of playing, I always take something away from my colleagues and students. Each of them has their own genuine touch in the way they play.

What instrument do you play and what is your favorite instrument?

I am a trumpet player, percussionist/drummer and I also study piano. Although I don't have a favorite instrument, I can say that the trumpet and percussion are the instruments that are most present in my daily life, both nationally and internationally.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your artistic career?

Perhaps my greatest “fear” arose when I was nearing the end of my degree and learning that orchestras in our country are corrupt and adulterated in the sense that most young professional musicians cannot find work. These musicians, belonging to a new era and with access to other resources, could, in my opinion, significantly improve any Portuguese orchestra.

Is there any performance, work or project that you feel particularly proud of?

Of course. The Matosinhos Jazz Orchestra and my duo project with percussionist Sofia Costa, called LUSO. We are about to record works composed by renowned composers specifically for our duo. I also loved working with HR BigBand, the Frankfurt Radio jazz orchestra.

Are you currently working on any specific projects?

In addition to all the projects I am currently involved in, my main focus is preparing to record my duo's album.

What do you hope to achieve in the coming years in terms of your artistic career?

I hope not only to maintain my current position in my country, but also to try to revolutionise the job market for musicians in Portugal. I would like to create a symphony orchestra in the municipality of Gondomar, which will require the local councils to show an interest in preserving culture and supporting this type of project.

How do you spend your free time?

I like watching movies, reading and spending time with my family and loved ones, which is my favorite pastime. I also keep my inner child alive and play video games.

What is music to you?

For me, music is the most important thing in my life. I was born with music and have always been surrounded by it. It is part of my daily life, whether I am playing the trumpet, drums or piano. It is a part of me and my soul.

What advice do you give to young musicians?

For young musicians, I would say that humility is the most important thing. It is essential to be mature and humble because in music there is no such thing as "the best" or "the worst". The moment we start labeling musicians, we are hurting ourselves. Fight for what you want, help others and ask for help, because everyone needs help in some way. In art, as in life, there cannot be the words "I" or "my", but rather "we".

* Joana Patacas - Communication and Content Consulting

Want to know more? Watch and listen to one of his performances below:

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Check here Luis Miguel Macedo's SMARTx Artist page.

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