RIGA - The decorative scenery of the Latvian National Opera will once again devote its setting to a breathtaking performance which embodies a wide range of emotions, as Mariza pays a visit for the second time. Portugal's "Fado princess" sings blues, tango and flamenco. Her simple guitar or are accordion accompanied a rich orchestra. The diva of Portuguese blues enters the stage dressed in haute couture gowns and carries out a dramatic performance that speaks of melancholy, love and sorrow.
"Fado is an emotional kind of music full of passion, sorrow, jealousy, grief, and often satire," Mariza has said.
Fado mysteriously balances joy and pain 's a paradox that is apparent in traditional Portuguese poems. Mariza's voice embraces a unique emotional span and makes her stand out as a powerful and rare performer on the world music scene.
Songs of longing and despair are a national tradition in Portugal. The word fado comes from the Latin fatum, meaning fate, destiny or doom, and the genre was first sung by lonely sailors in the taverns of Lisbon about 200 years ago.
Mariza follows the cultural heritage of the late and esteemed fado singer Amelia Rodrigues, Portugal's national icon during the years of dictatorship.
Today Mariza represents at once the country's history and the new face of fado. Her style captures the sensitivity that characterizes the genre, but with a significant individual twist.
Born in Mozambique, the singer grew up in Portugal, attending Lisbon's Fado House, where she began singing fado as a child. Ever since then her talent has developed a strong reputation, and her debut CD "Fado Em Mim" went gold in Portugal in 2002.
Her follow up album "Fado Curvo" reached number six on the Billboard World Music chart in 2003.
Mariza has received countless awards in her home country as well as across Europe and has recently won the Juice Award for "Best Event of 2005" after her tour in the U.K.
The present tour supports her latest album "Transparente," where the modern fado diva pays tribute to the popular fadistas and promotes Portuguese culture.
The audiences in Riga and Valmiera will definitely be in for a treat. Those who know Mariza will surely not let this opportunity pass.
If you missed her appearance in Riga about three years ago, this will be a chance to experience the dramatic act of a spectacular personality.
Mariza
Riga, Latvian National Opera, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.
Valmiera Culture centre, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
