World Music Weekend María BerasarteHong Kong Arts FestivalThe 45th Hong Kong Arts Festival

The drama, passion and poetry of fado

Fado (fate) is the soul music of Portugal. Characterised by yearning melodies and lyrics, its songs pull at the heartstrings, evoking nostalgia, sorrow and love.

Now there is a new star, María Berasarte – and she sings fado in her own native language, Spanish!

She has performed all over Europe, in Macau, and Morocco, and in concert with superstar guitarist Paco de Lucía. Berasarte made her live debut in Portugal when invited by fado legend and Grammy Lifetime Award winner Carlos do Carmo to star in his 45th anniversary world tour. She was a sensation, and the land of fado took her to its heart.

Together with guitarist José Peixoto and José Luis Montón, she has re-arranged fados based on poems translated into Spanish. Her Festival concert includes songs from her latest album, Aguaenlaboca. Simple, daring and contemporary, they challenge traditional notions of fado and flamenco, while offering the very best of both.


About World Music Weekend

It is time to experience unique music traditions as gateways to different cultures and civilizations!

Ballaké Sissoko from Mali, the Kudsi Erguner Trio from Turkey and the latest Spanish fado star María Berasarte are all virtuoso exponents of their musical traditions, bringing us music that flows from long-standing cultural heritage.

Take in sights and sounds from three distinct musical traditions, as these great artists visit Hong Kong for an unmissable weekend.