20 Fingers
The four-hand piano duo 20 Fingers, formed by pianists João Vasco and Eduardo Jordão, celebrates its 18th anniversary in 2025. Since its inception in 2007, as part of the “mEUsic partnership” Festival in Cork, Ireland, the duo has captivated audiences of all kinds, breaking stylistic boundaries, building bridges between genres, and going beyond the traditional scope of the classical piano recital. This recital has also been presented in France, Germany, Luxembourg, Brazil, and China.
The programme of this concert is shaped by rhythm, dance, and humour, and has been refined over the years to become a journey through time and across European, North, and South American territories. Starting with Mozart and concluding with Chico Buarque, the recital unfolds through affinities and points of connection between successive musical works: Erik Satie carries Schubert’s legacy but leads us into a Can-Can dance, paving the way to America with Ragtime in Parade; following the Ragtimes of Joseph Lamb and Zez Confrey, and continuing the strong dance rhythm, we head south to South America and into the Tango of Piazzolla. Crossing the Argentine border, we arrive in Brazil, where we hear works by Zequinha de Abreu, Tom Jobim, and Chico Buarque. Evoking Fado and its recent recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, we present a unique arrangement by Eduardo Jordão of Maria Lisboa, immortalised by Amália Rodrigues.
In the recital From Mozart to Chico Buarque, João Vasco and Eduardo Jordão maintain the rigour and depth inherited from their solid classical training and background, while never losing sight of their primary goal: to have fun and to share with the audience the pure joy of two longtime friends who share the same stage — and the same piano. This is the secret of this piano duo, which, since its debut in 2007, has already
performed on dozens of stages across four continents, receiving enthusiastic responses from both audiences and critics.
“From Mozart to Chico Buarque” was released as a recording (AVA Musical Editions) at the Algarve International Piano Festival.
In addition to original works, this recital features original four-hand piano arrangements by pianists Eduardo Jordão and Inês Mesquita.
W.A. Mozart – Sonata KV 381 (123a) em Ré M – I Allegro
Ravel – Ma Mère l’Oye – Le Jardin féerique
E. Satie – Excertos de “Parade”
E. Satie – Can Can Grand-Moundain (de “La Belle Excentrique”)
Joseph Lamb – Champagne Rag
Zez Confrey – Dizzy Fingers (arr. Harold Potter)
Julian Plaza – Nocturna
Astor Piazzolla – Oblivion
Astor Piazzolla – Libertango
Pixinguinha – Carinhoso
Zequinha de Abreu – Tico Tico no Fubá
Chico Buarque/ Francis Hime – Meu Caro Amigo
Chico Buarque – Para todos
Testimonials
“At a piano recital, you generally find yourself either able to see the hands or see the face(s). There are pros and cons to both views. This time I could see their faces and, believe you me, I felt a little bit sorry, throughout the performance, for those who could not. They were entertainment alone. I mean, forget the gorgeously expressed and controlled playing. There was a fabulous rapport between these two young men and there were lovely comedic touches, especially in Satie’s “Parade”. I do hope these two come back for a repeat in the not too distant future.”
Anne-Marie – Cork, Ireland in “This Reviewer”
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“Harmony and delicacy were the watchwords on yet another night of FESMUC. (…) The almost galloping rhythm of the calm melody echoed through the auditorium, captivating and holding even the most wandering soul in the audience. At the end of each piece, the applause was synchronized and cohesive, expressive and truly reflective of the performance’s quality. (…) To close the evening, Meu Caro Amigo served as a heartfelt farewell from these faithful friends who warmed the hearts of a full house on yet another cold November night.”
“Cultur'ArtMag” – Cultural Magazine from Coimbra
“I’ve had the opportunity to regularly listen to performances by the 20fingers duo. I would like to highlight the following aspects, which impressed me in an extremely positive way: technical solidity, precision in reading the score, and an exceptionally well-projected sound balance. There is an extraordinary sense of ensemble, evident in their musical synchronicity and unique communicative connection with the audience. As two pianists who approach music with integrity and honesty, I must emphasise the creativity and sophistication with which they perform, as well as the true chamber spirit that unites them in sharing the stage.”
Paulo Pacheco, pianist, Directorate of the Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra
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“20 dedos de quatro mãos. Dois pianistas que inebriam qualquer público que tenha a sorte de os ouvir. Brincando com a História da Música com uma criatividade que sempre nos surpreende e com a enorme alegria que João Vasco e de Eduardo Jordão nos transmitem, ouvimos “estórias” que fizeram parte das vidas de Mozart e de Schubert, mas também (e tão bem!!!) de Astor Piazzolla e de Chico Buarque…“20 FINGERS” para ver (sempre) e ouvir (obrigatoriamente)….”
Eduardo Fragoso, President of the António Fragoso Association
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