Diogo Mendes

Diogo Mendes is a Portuguese guitarist and composer who stands out as one of the most innovative players of the Portuguese Guitar, especially in the Coimbra style. His musical journey is marked by a deep connection to the Coimbra tradition and a constant search for new languages and artistic collaborations.

Musical Path

Diogo Mendes' passion for the Portuguese Guitar awakened in 2011, when he moved to Coimbra and immersed himself in the universe of Coimbra Fado. Since then, he has developed a multifaceted career that includes solo performances, collaborations with other musicians, and projects exploring the fusion between fado and other musical styles. He is also the founder of the Fado Group Amanhecer, through which he seeks to keep the Coimbra Fado tradition alive.

Discography

Diogo Mendes has released several recordings that reflect his creative and contemporary approach to the Portuguese Guitar:

Portefólio (2019): His solo debut album, featuring various guest artists and presenting new musical languages in the context of Coimbra Fado.

Erudito - Isto não é uma Guitarra de Coimbra (2022): The result of three years of work, this album was supported by DGArtes and includes compositions by several Portuguese authors for Portuguese Guitar, exploring its versatility and ability to dialogue with other instruments.

Sol (2019): A single that demonstrates Diogo Mendes' melodic sensitivity and his ability to evoke images and emotions through music.

Variações Sobre o Mondego (2022): An instrumental piece that pays homage to the Mondego river, a symbol of the city of Coimbra, reflecting the artist's emotional connection to the region.

Balada da Incerteza and Cantar de Emigração: Compositions addressing themes such as uncertainty and longing, feelings deeply rooted in the Portuguese experience.

In addition to these, Diogo Mendes has collaborated on projects such as the show Fado Flamenco, in partnership with Spanish artist Álvaro Prado, which merges the musical traditions of Portugal and Spain, and has performed with singer Tiago Nogueira, vocalist of the band Os Quatro e Meia, exploring new approaches to Coimbra Fado.

With a constantly evolving career, Diogo Mendes continues to significantly contribute to the renewal and internationalization of the Portuguese Guitar, remaining faithful to his roots while exploring new musical horizons.