Goa’s beloved Fadista recounts her experience of performing Fado in the Holy Land
Goa’s Fadista Sonia Shirsat was invited to perform this soulful music form in the Holy Land.
The 2 concerts were in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Both the concerts were very well received. The Local crowds highly appreciated the performances.
The Concert in Bethlehem was held on The Star Street that leads to the Church of Nativity, a zone that is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Concert in Jerusalem, was held in The Old City, another World Heritage Site near the Lion Gate.The concerts would begin with an instrumental piece played by the very talented Goan Musicians, Orlando de Noronha ( Portuguese guitar), Dr. Allan Abreu( 12 string guitar) and Carlos Meneses ( Viola de Fado).
Fadista Sonia Shirsat regaled the audiences with her powerful yet sensitive voice, interpreting famous fados in her own style.Sonia Shirsat and her troupe were invited to the Holy Land by the Portuguese Ambassador to Palestine Dr Rui Baceira, Institute Camões and the Bethlehem Music Academy.
Speaking to The Goan, the Fadista reflected on the experience. “ It is my first trip to the Holy Land. And being invited to give concerts was unimaginable!” said the singer who has also performed in countries including Canada, USA, Luxembourg, Portugal, France, Middle East, Nepal, Singapore, South Korea, Macau, among others. Israel, she narrated, was a very different experience. “The fact that it was The Holy Land, itself was the main reason for this trip to stand out from others. Usually People go to these places on a pilgrimage. And being invited to present our talent that we have been blessed with, was like the best offering we could ever make to the Almighty.” she said. “Personally, The Holy Land was a trip i had wished to make sometime in this lifetime. I never in my dreams thought that this would turn into a reality so soon.” The Fado was a completely new experience for the audience in Jerusalem, and they loved the music, said Shirsat.
