One of the most powerful moments in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Oscar-winning film Poor Things is when the wandering protagonist, Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, is captivated by the voice of a singer performing a traditional Portuguese song from a balcony in bustling Lisbon. Though emotionally immature and trapped in an adult body, Bella is profoundly moved by the magic of music, awakening emotions she has never experienced before.

That mesmerizing voice belongs to 40-year-old Carminho, hailed as the “modern high priestess of Fado.” Now, Greek audiences will have the opportunity to witness her live for the first time in a concert at the Pallas Theater in Athens on February 19.

A Legacy of Fado with a Modern Twist

Born and raised in a musical household—her mother is the renowned Portuguese singer Teresa Siqueira—Carminho was immersed in the world of traditional Portuguese music from a young age. Through these songs, past generations expressed their deepest sorrows and hardships.

However, Carminho seeks to bring a fresh perspective to fado, expanding its lyrical themes and infusing its sound with modern elements to connect with younger generations. And she has succeeded brilliantly.

Her debut album, Fado (2009), immediately drew international attention. It wasn’t just her remarkable voice that stood out—her rich experiences from traveling the world shaped the depth of her interpretations. These journeys began when she realized that marketing and advertising, which she had studied, were not her true calling.

In 2012, her second album, Alma, solidified her as one of the most exciting voices in fado, earning her a Golden Globe and the Carlos Paredes Award. She followed this with Canto and Maria, both of which achieved impressive sales. In Maria, she also revealed her talent as a songwriter, proving herself as a well-rounded artist who both creates and performs in her own distinctive way.

An Internationally Acclaimed Artist

Carminho’s reputation continues to grow, leading to collaborations with major artists and high-profile performances. In August 2023, she was invited to perform Estrela for Pope Francis in front of 1.5 million people and 600 million television viewers at World Youth Day.

A year earlier, she was on set for Poor Things, which went on to achieve worldwide success. In May 2023, she was invited to share the stage with Coldplay during their concert in Portugal.

Her latest album, Portuguesa, was released in 2023, and its songs will form the heart of her Athens concert program—though she will also perform some of her most beloved classics.