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Reviving Fado's Anthem in the Big Apple

"Amália in America - Beyond Fado" performance featuring Raquel Tavares, Cristina Branco, and Ricardo, supported by the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra (OSP)

Portuguese stars Raquel Tavares, Cristina Branco, and Ricardo Ribeiro perform in the show "Amália...
Portuguese stars Raquel Tavares, Cristina Branco, and Ricardo Ribeiro perform in the show "Amália in America – Beyond Fado", sung with the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra (OSP) as the musical backup.

Reviving Fado's Anthem in the Big Apple

Grooving Globally with Amália: A Fado Fiesta in the Big Apple

Prepare for a musical extravaganza this October 11th at Carnegie Hall, New York, as we bring Amália Rodrigues' soulful melodies to life through "Amália in America - Beyond Fado"! Maestro Jan Wierzba leads the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra in a show inspired by Amália's performances in the United States during the 1950s and '60s. This iconic event follows the same program as last year's show at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon.

Amália's American Dream

Amália Rodrigues, born in 1920 and a key figure in portraying fado to the world, graced American stages for the first time in 1952 at La Vie en Rose nightclub alongside renowned artists like Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich. Her unforgettable performances continued at the Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and on television, cementing her international fame.

Recognition peaked in 1966 when she performed as a soloist in symphonic concerts with the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestras, showcasing traditional Portuguese songs and fado, receiving thunderous applause, as quoted by musicologist Rui Vieira Nery.

A BOLD Tribute

Last year, Opart's president emphasized that this tribute concert is a significant endeavor, with several distinguished institutions joining forces to honor one of Portugal's most influential cultural figures of the 20th century. Conceição Amaral, Opart's president, stated, "The remarkable legacy of Amália Rodrigues is being reinforced and renewed for our times, with the recreation of orchestral arrangements that will allow the OSP to solidify itself as a cultural bridge between fado, classical music, and Broadway classics."

An International Cultural Connection

Beyond being a tribute to the fado queen, this concert offers an opportunity for the international promotion of Portuguese culture, with Amália Rodrigues serving as its greatest ambassador. Join us on October 11th at Carnegie Hall for an unforgettable evening celebrating the enduring impact of Amália Rodrigues on Portuguese music and culture!

[1] Interview with Cristina Branco, soloist for "Amália in America - Beyond Fado"[2] Raquel Tavares discusses her role in the concert[3] Ricardo Ribeiro shares his excitement for performing in "Amália in America - Beyond Fado"[4] Archived interview with Amália Rodrigues from her 1966 concert at Carnegie Hall[5] Announcement from the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) regarding "Amália in America - Beyond Fado" as the final event in their 40th-anniversary celebrations.

[1] The upcoming concert, "Amália in America - Beyond Fado," promises to be an exciting event with Cristina Branco, a soloist for the show, giving her insights.

[2] As part of this incredibly crafted tribute, Raquel Tavares will play a significant role, offering a glimpse into the preparations and expectations surrounding the concert.

[3] Adding yet another layer of anticipation, Ricardo Ribeiro, another performer in the show, expresses his eagerness to be part of this ambitious exploration of Amália Rodrigues' musical legacy.

[4] In this internationally connected world, the memories of Amália Rodrigues' past performances, like her unforgettable concert at Carnegie Hall in 1966, serve as inspiring reminders of her enduring impact on the global entertainment scene.

[5] The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) is also involved, marking "Amália in America - Beyond Fado" as the finale of their 40th-anniversary celebrations, making it a significant news item for Portuguese culture and music enthusiasts worldwide.

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