The Consulate General of Portugal in Guangzhou launched The History of Fado Exhibition on May 17 at the Cantonese Opera Art Museum in Liwan District.
Ana Menezes Cordeiro, the Consul General of Portugal in Guangzhou, introduced that the exhibition belongs to the Fado Museum in Lisbon. It is the first time that they have held it at the Cantonese Opera Art Museum while it’s also the first foreign exhibition held in this museum.
She added that Fado is more than a musical style to Portuguese people but a way of living and feeling, saying, “We feel every word, every guitar string and its every sound.”
The launching ceremony of the exhibition also included a virtual Fado Music concert and a Cantonese Opera show.
Wang Yunting, Deputy Head of Liwan District, extended congratulations on the exhibition at the ceremony and explained that Liwan is one of the oldest urban areas in Guangzhou. Its Cantonese Opera Art Museum is a public cultural institution to showcase the Cantonese Opera which is famous for its melodious singing style, exquisite costumes, and fascinating stage arts.
“Fado is known as Portugal’s national treasure. Cantonese Opera and Fado were added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists in 2009 and 2011 respectively. We are very honored to provide a platform for exchange of international arts, and welcome more foreign arts to Liwan,” said Wang.
Fado or "the song and soul" of Portugal, is a music genre that can be traced to the 1820s in Lisbon. The word "Fado" means "destiny, fortune and luck" and it's characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about nostalgia, passion, jealousy, the sea or the life of the poor.
A glimpse of the History of Fado Exhibition [Photo/GDToday]
A Cantonese Opera show presented at the museum.[Photo/GDToday]
The History of Fado Exhibition
Venue: Cantonese Opera Art Museum
Date: May 17 to September 16, 2023
Add.: No. 127 En Ning Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
Reported by Jasmine
Edited by Wing, Jerry
