Ramana Vieira and Ensemble will present the rapturous rhythms and the passionate stirrings of fado, the folk music of Portugal. (Fado, which literally means fate or destiny, is the most widely recognized genre of Portuguese music, dating back to early 19th century Lisboa.) The program also is infused with originals, jazz, and American standards. Vieira and her group captivate audiences with innovative instrumentation, multi-faceted creative layers, and soaring vocals. Ramana Vieira Biography Ramana Vieira’s parents settled in the United States, hailing from the Madeira Island of Portugal. Vieira was born in Northern California where she blossomed in a rich cultural mix that celebrated both her Portuguese and diverse American heritages. Simultaneously, she loved Broadway and American jazz, but also the traditional music of Portugal; she was particularly enamored with the Fado of Amália Rodrigues. This passion drove her to study music at the esteemed American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) of San Francisco, and then back to her roots and heritage in Portugal. Today, Ramana’s repertoire captures traditional Fado and influences from the Portuguese diaspora in a musical tapestry that ranges from whispering, haunting, ballads; to jazzy blues. A proficient pianist and gifted songwriter, Vieira composes original Fados, several of which have been nominated at the international Portuguese music awards. Vieira has been described by The New York Times as an American at the forefront of the Fado resurgence. The San Francisco Examiner calls her “the Rising Star in World Music." Her authentic and individual style, brilliant musicality, and colorful heritage appeals to a wide audience. Vieira pays tribute to time-treasured Fado classics of Amália Rodrigues and also includes other Portuguese folk music, jazz, blues, and original compositions.
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