Orquestra Jazz de Matosinhos was formed in 1997 and has the support of the Municipality of Matosinhos since 1999. It’s an active promoter of new music, including its creation and spread, while also supporting jazz investigation and education. It manages to merge an international ambition with the awareness of its local responsibility. In 5 October 2017, while celebrating its 20 years, OJM was invited to participate in the ceremonies of anniversary of the Proclamation of the Portuguese Republic, at the São Bento Palace in Lisbon. The Portuguese Prime-Minister and the Portuguese Culture Minister honoured the orchestra with the Medal for Cultural Merit. Conducted by Pedro Guedes and Carlos Azevedo, it has worked with Maria Schneider, Carla Bley, Lee Konitz, John Hollenbeck, Jim McNeely, Kurt Rosenwinkel, João Paulo Esteves da Silva, Carlos Bica, Ingrid Jensen, Bob Berg, Conrad Herwig, Mark Turner, Rich Perry, Steve Swallow, Gary Valente, Dieter Glawischnig, Stephan Ashbury, Chris Cheek, Ohad Talmor, Joshua Redman, Andy Sheppard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Fred Hersch, Rebecca Martin, Peter Evans, Maria Rita, Maria João, Mayra Andrade, Manuela Azevedo, Sérgio Godinho and Manel Cruz. It has also shared the stage with Remix Ensemble, Casa da Música/Porto Symphony Orchestra and Matosinhos String Quartet.