Latest news and stories about portuguese guitar in Portugal for expats and residents.
The last of the great masters of the Portuguese guitar has died.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa highlights a “leading figure in the Portuguese guitar and in fado”.
The headline bids goodbye to António Chainho and highlights the notable silence or absence of the Portuguese guitar during a tribute to the Maestro, suggesting a poignant moment in the homage.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, today lamented the death of musician António Chainho, whom he described as 'a leading figure in the Portuguese guitar and fado' and 'an inspiring symbol for generations of instrumentalists'.
He was one of the foremost names in the national art of Portuguese guitar playing, a musician and creator who embraced the noble instrument of fado from childhood. He forged an international career, bringing the Portuguese guitar into dialogue with other cultures — from India to Brazil and Africa — presenting it with solo dignity at the head of some of the world’s leading orchestras and alongside celebrated voices such as Carlos do Carmo and Gal Costa. His greatest achievement? 'I think I helped to liberate the guitar.'
“Portuguese culture bids farewell to António Chainho, master of the Portuguese guitar and of our music,” wrote Margarida Balseiro Lopes.
He began playing among fado musicians in the 1960s, after finishing compulsory military service, during which he showcased his musical talents on a tour of Mozambique.
