Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym), the “Fado Nights” concerts attracted many residents and tourists and received high acclaim since their debut at the Dom Pedro V Theatre, a World Heritage site, in early March. In order to continuously enrich the cultural tourism of Macao and allow the public to appreciate the enchanting charm of Fado music, the “Fado Nights” concerts will return with a new round of performances from 7pm to 8pm, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 29 March and 5 May, featuring professional Fado singers Francisco Moreira and Marta de Sousa from Portugal.
Francisco Moreira is known for his mesmerizingly resonant voice and delicate yet touching renditions. He has performed on many television programmes, Fado houses, and major stages, released a number of albums and original songs, and shared the stage with a number of Fado maestros, which have earned him popularity among audiences of different generations. Marta de Sousa was born in a musical family and raised under the influence of Fado. She was encouraged to participate in singing contests by her father and went on to win various awards. She is currently a singer at the one of the Fado House in Lisbon and is frequently giving performances in many cities across Portugal. The two signers will jointly present a number of Fado songs with beautiful heartfelt voices, which is definitely not to be missed.
In order to create diverse viewing experience for the public, IC arranged typical Portuguese snacks and beverages in the Mirror Hall of the Theatre from 6pm for the public to purchase and taste while enjoying live music performances by local artists. These artists will perform light instrumental music themes on electronic piano, Portuguese guitar, classical guitar, violin, saxophone, clarinet and other instruments, allowing local citizens and tourists to enjoy Macao's unique atmosphere in a romantic and relaxing environment. The public can also learn a little more about the history of Fado at an exhibition held in the Theatre Gallery, with musical instruments, music albums, newspaper clippings and other exhibits related to Fado, allowing them to learn about this item of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity classified by UNESCO.
Tickets for the “Fado Nights” concerts will be on sale from 3pm on 27 March through the Macau Ticketing Network, and from 5pm on 27 March through Damai (Mainland China) platform, at the price of MOP200 and RMB180. Dates of ticket sales at the Cityline (Hong Kong) platform will be announced in due course. Holders of a valid Macao Resident Identity Card, Macao Teacher Card, full-time Student Card, Macao Senior Citizen Card or Disability Assessment Registration Card can enjoy a 20% discount through the Macau Ticketing Network. Ticket discounts are not available through Damai or Cityline platforms. Audience members can redeem one beverage by presenting their ticket. 24-hour ticketing hotline: 2855 5555; online ticketing: www.macauticket.com, www.damai.cn, and www.cityline.com.
For more information about the programme, please visit www.icm.gov.mo/music/fado, IC’s WeChat official account “IC_Art_Macao”, “IC Art” page on Facebook, or at the Macao activities website “Enjoy Macao”.