The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at the University of British Columbia presents Portugal’s brightest star Mariza on April 17, 2019, at 8pm in the Chan Shun Concert Hall. The internationally lauded fadista — a performer of Portugal’s traditional soul music, fado — will showcase brand new material from her recently released eponymous album produced by Spain’s Javier Limón, the singer’s seventh studio recording. Effortlessly effusing passion, joy, and nostalgia, the talented vocalist will weave her impressive vocal range and commanding stage presence into a deeply moving and memorable evening of music.
Born in Mozambique and raised in the historic quarters of the Mouraria neighbourhood in Lisbon, Portugal, Mariza was destined to pursue a musical career. From an early age, she was exposed to and began singing in a wide variety of musical styles, including gospel, soul, and jazz. Following the urgings of her father, who strongly encouraged her to pursue fado in light of its cultural significance in the Portuguese community, the singer refined her craft at the local bars and tavernas in which the musical genre originated, quickly gaining a fervent following among admiring locals.
Following the passing of national icon and fado sensation Amália Rodrigues — credited with first introducing the world to Portugal’s traditional soul music — in 1999, Mariza’s musical career skyrocketed when asked to perform at the legendary singer’s memorial, which was broadcast on national television. Her first studio album, Fado em Mim, became an instant sensation, selling 100,000 copies in 2001. The work was soon released internationally, earning Mariza acclaim on the world stage and solidifying her role as a global phenomenon.
Recognized as an undisputed leader in the new fado movement, Mariza has captivated audiences worldwide, re-imagining fado’s ancient melancholic woe into a majestic, graceful, and contemporary sound for world music aficionados. In addition to six additional multi-platinum album releases over the past 17 years, Mariza has made appearances on some of the world’s most iconic stages, including New York’s Carnegie Hall, Paris’ Olympia Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall, among many others.
A genre so integral to Portuguese culture that it is recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, fado encapsulates the mystery, romance, and yearnings of the Portuguese people, balancing both resignation and hopefulness in light of the hard realities of life, love, and loss. Dating back to the early 1800s, fado has been a mainstay of local Lisbon culture with many bars, restaurants, and tavernas today dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the captivating art form. Brought to the world stage by Rodrigues, Mariza now leads a new wave of notable fadistas who are reinvigorating the genre — honouring its traditions while forging inspiring new paths.
A beloved Vancouver favourite, Mariza returns to dazzle audience members with stunning new repertoire from her seventh platinum-level studio recording, Mariza, released across North America in the fall of 2018. Paying deep respect to the traditional themes of fado’s romantic lyricisms, the performer continues to push Portugal’s folk music into intriguing and enchanting new directions.
Chan Centre Connects Events (chancentre.com/connects)
A series of ancillary events programmed in conjunction with Chan Centre performances, exploring the role of arts and artists in society.
• Pre-show Talk with Vicente Biancardi da Camara — Wed April 17, 7:15pm in the Royal Bank Cinema at the Chan Centre. UBC journalism master’s student Vicente Biancardi da Camara was raised in a family of fadistas. His late grandfather Vicente da Câmara and uncle José da Câmara were both celebrated artists in the fado tradition. Through the lens of these personal relationships, Vicente discusses the rich history of fado — from the traditional to the modern.
Chan Centre presents Mariza
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 8pm
Ticket Prices: From $54
Address: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
University of British Columbia
6265 Crescent Road
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Box Office: 604-822-2697 / chancentre.com
Website: chancentre.com
Photos: Courtesy of the artist
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