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Iconoclastic composer for organ and guitar, personal and heterogeneous.
Born and raised in Mafra, it is on 5 October 1986, motivated by his teacher (Fr. Antonio Simões),that he participates for the first time as an organist at a Mass, at the Basilica of Mafra National Palace, a position he would share with his colleague José Afonso until July 19, 1991, when he would become the titular organist of the Parish.
Between 1988 and 1997 he studied singing, counterpoint and fugue with Cortez Medina, and at the same time, harmony, improvisation and guitar with Paulo Pontes.The need to harmonize new chants for the masses each week propelled him at the age of 15, mostly self-taught, to study and play on the Church organs (Epistle and Gospel), leading him to composition in a smoothly and experimental way.
However, due toserious air leakage problems and unexpected electricity breaks whichaffected the organs(Epistle and Gospel) at the end of the XX century, the use of the guitar to accompany the religious service was sometimes necessary, a fact which enhanced his interest in the creation of pieces for guitar.
Thus, particularly between 5 October 1986 and 4 October 2015, it is the historical and social context of Mafra Parish that enables José Simões an extraordinary musical activity as well as the opportunity to improvise and perform his 54 works for Organ, having during this period the privilege to attend 5000celebrations (Masses, Weddings, Prayer vigils , Processions and Baptisms).