A tribute to the life and work of Amália Rodrigues, “Amália in America – Beyond Fado” makes its world premiere at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, in New York City, on October 11th, one of the most renowned North American concert halls.
The performance showcases the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jan Wierzba, in the United States for the first time, and will feature popular soloists Cristina Branco, Raquel Tavares, and Ricardo Ribeiro. More than a hundred artists will be on stage: 83 orchestral musicians, three soloists, and a conductor, in this very special tribute to Amália Rodrigues.
This homage to the Queen of Fado is part of an initiative by Égide, Portuguese Association of the Arts, marking the closing of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), in partnership with Teatro Nacional de São Carlos.
The concert features new orchestrations and adaptations of themes that marked Amália’s international career, from Fado and popular Portuguese music to the Broadway songs she recorded in the United States.
The selection celebrates Amália’s versatility and unique ability to cross different musical universes, revisited by five composers and orchestrators of excellence, Carlos Azevedo, Daniel Bernardes, Filipe Raposo, Pedro Duarte and Pedro Moreira.
With choreography by Olga Roriz, one of Portugal’s most acclaimed contemporary choreographers, “Amália in America – Beyond Fado” was originally presented in Portugal as “Amália na América – Além do Fado,” staged in Lisbon at the Centro Cultural de Belém in September 2024, before traveling abroad under its English title.
During her career, Amália Rodrigues performed at Carnegie Hall in 1952 and again in 1975, conquering the American public with her musical versatility. In 1966, she performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, among other shows, all of which were marked by sold-out venues and a sweeping success.
Besides the support of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), in partnership with Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, the initiative has the high patronage of the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the support of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism of Portugal, TAP Air Portugal, and the Amália Rodrigues Foundation. Tickets are now available @ carnigehall.org
The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) was established on May 20, 1985, through the approval of Decree-Law No. 168/85 by the Portuguese government. Its creation was a direct outcome of the 1983 Cooperation and Defense Agreement between Portugal and the United States, which included provisions for military, economic, and energy support. One significant aspect of this agreement was the continued U.S. presence at the Lajes Air Base in the Azores. FLAD acts as a transatlantic bridge—promoting academic exchange, scientific collaboration, cultural enrichment, and bilateral dialogue. It operates through grants, fellowships, programs, and large-scale projects, playing a pivotal role in promoting the Portugal-US relationship.
Carolina Matos/Editor
Source: FLAD 40 Years
About Amália Rodrigues
Amália Rodrigues (1920–1999) is widely regarded as the greatest Fado singer of all time and a cultural icon of Portugal. Known as the “Rainha do Fado” (“Queen of Fado”), she revolutionized and internationalized this traditional Portuguese music genre, helping to define its modern form and bringing it to world audiences.She performed in over 50 countries, from Brazil to the Soviet Union, the U.S., and Japan. Her 1950s–60s tours helped establish Fado a recognized genre internationally. She also starred in several Portuguese films during the 1940s–50s, blending acting with her musical career.As a contralto, Amália’s performances were renowned for her expressive phrasing, melancholic tone, and dramatic delivery as she modernized Fado by incorporating poetry by major Portuguese writers (e.g., Luís de Camões, David Mourão-Ferreira). A prolific artist, she incorporated in her repertoire international influences like flamenco, French chanson, and Brazilian rhythms. Album recordings such as Com que Voz and Fado Português are considered masterpieces.“Amália in America” is a major cultural event, uniting a large Portuguese symphony ensemble, top contemporary fadistas, and orchestral arrangements that pay tribute to Amália’s legacy and her boundary-crossing influence. The concert is scheduled for October 11, at 8:00 pm at the Isaac Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY. Tickets are now available @ carnigehall.org
