On Friday, October 14, ISL, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Philharmonie, welcomed Julio Resende to present a lecture-recital on Portuguese Fado-Fusion. Julio Resende, Musician, pianist and Portugese composer, is „one oft he most significant forces in the new generation of Fado and Jazz musicians in Portugal“. Students from grades 8-12 were in attendance.

Mr. Resende began by performing an improvisation based around a Portuguese folk song and also incorporated elements from the Beatles  “Come Together” and Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind.”  Next, Mr. Resende gave an overview of Portuguese Fado music followed by questions from the students. As Mr. Resende discussed the importance of Amalia Rodrigues to Fado, he then performed a Fado-Jazz improvisation of Rodrigues’ “Gaivota.” Next, 12th Grader Carlos Cipollitti, performed a traditional Fado song and received positive feedback from Mr. Resende for his fine performance and musicianship. Mr. Resende then finished the event with another Fado-inspired improvisation. 

ISL would like to Mr. Resende for sharing his passion for Fado in a such a positive atmosphere. ISL would also like to thank the Luxembourg Philharmonie for making this opportunity possible, as such an event aligns with our learning standards of exposing students to music and music performances from various cultures and eras which allow students to learn how music has influenced world culture and history.