The Embassy of Portugal in Malta, in collaboration with the Manoel Theatre, is proud to announce a concert by world-renowned fado singer Cristina Branco, which will take place on Sunday at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta. This event is being held to mark Portugal’s Presidency of the European Union.

Despite the fact that it is essentially a form of urban music, fado has become an expression of Portuguese culture which is today accepted as the national song.

Its origins and roots are a matter of discussion, with theories referring to the troubadour tradition, Moorish and Arabic music, the Brazilian lundum and the sad lament of the African slaves.

Inevitably, the memory of the melancholy of departing sailors and the mourning of their widows and mothers is also summoned. It is probable that fado is a complex mixture of all these, and maybe other, influences.

Cristina Branco breathes new life into the fado tradition she respects. She is developing her own style from a number of primary components. Branco employs a traditional group (voice, Portuguese guitar, guitar and bass guitar) and offers us concurrently a light, warm and experienced voice. She mixes the traditional fado with themes and folk songs that are her personal favourites. The concert is dedicated to Amália Rodrigues, probably the greatest 20th century fadista

Tickets for the concert, at Lm10, Lm8, Lm6 and Lm3, can be obtained from the Manoel Theatre booking office.

Bookings can be made by phoning the booking office on tel. 2124-6389 or by sending an email to bookings@teatru manoel.com.mt.