The 11th International Clarinet Festival in Paraguay, known as Clarifest, will take place on 17 and 18 November 2026. The event will bring together musicians, students, and music enthusiasts for two days of educational activities and performances. Under the artistic direction of Paraguayan clarinettist José Cabrera, the festival aims to develop clarinet education while strengthening cultural exchange.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature Brazilian musician Jônatas Zacarias as its invited guest maestro. Through educational activities and performances, the festival seeks to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experiences within the international clarinet community.
The activities will take place at two important cultural venues, the Tom Jobim Theatre at the Brazilian Embassy in Paraguay and the National Symphony Orchestra Auditorium. All activities are free of charge and open to the public.
A space for musical learning
One of Clarifest’s main objectives is to support the development of clarinet education in Paraguay. Its programme combines artistic performances with educational activities, allowing students, teachers and professional musicians to participate in different aspects of musical learning.
The 2026 programme is expected to include masterclasses and talks exploring different approaches to the instrument, interpretation and performance. These activities encourage interaction between musicians with different levels of experience, allowing students to learn from established performers and educators. They also provide opportunities for students to gain experience beyond their regular academic training. Exposure to different musical perspectives encourages their participation in a wider artistic community.
A decade of Clarifest in Paraguay
Clarifest began in 2015 as a three-day musical gathering featuring Portuguese clarinettist António Saiote. Since then, the festival has expanded its programme, welcoming musicians from different countries and creating opportunities for Paraguayan students to learn from international performers.
The festival celebrated its tenth edition from 3 to 7 November 2025, with activities held across several cultural venues in Asunción. Musicians from Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay joined Paraguayan performers for concerts, masterclasses and educational activities. The programme also featured orchestral performances, chamber music and discussions exploring different aspects of clarinet education.
Over the years, Clarifest has developed into a meeting point for musicians from Paraguay and abroad. Its continued organisation reflects efforts to strengthen musical education, artistic collaboration and cultural exchange in the country.
Clarifest 2026
Reaching its 11th edition represents the continuity of an initiative dedicated to developing and promoting the clarinet in Paraguay. The festival has also been associated with institutions and organisations such as the National Symphony Orchestra, the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Art of the National University of Asunción (FADA UNA), the Instituto Guimarães Rosa in Asunción and Itaipu Binacional, alongside international musical instrument companies.
For further information on where the event will take place, find Clarifest on Instagram.
