Cesaria-evora-2006–Joe-Wuerfel_1024

Tribute to Cesária Évora
the Barefoot Diva

Featuring Elida Almeida, Ceuzany, Lucibela, Teófilo Chantre and the Cesária Évora Orchestra ensemble

February 3, 2025

Traquen’Art is proud to announce an exceptional musical event as part of a North American tour. On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts will host the concert Tribute to the Barefoot Diva. This unique performance will pay tribute to the legendary Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora, offering Montreal audiences a memorable evening filled with the characteristic warmth and emotion of the singer who revolutionized world music.

This one-of-a-kind performance will honour the legendary singer Cesária Évora, the iconic “barefoot diva” who transformed world music.

The Cesária Évora Orchestra invites Montreal audiences on an extraordinary musical journey into the heart of Cape Verdean culture. On the stage of Théâtre Maisonneuve, Cape Verde’s greatest talents – Elida Almeida, Ceuzany, Lucibela, and Teófilo Chantre – accompanied by Cesária’s historic musicians, will pay a vibrant and moving tribute to this international music icon.

Every note promises to resonate with Cesária’s melancholic and passionate soul, transporting the audience to the sun-drenched landscapes and warm rhythms of the Cape Verde islands. This magical moment promises to be much more than just a concert: a true artistic and cultural celebration.

Cesária, the vibrant soul of Cape Verde

Traquen’Art présente Cesária Évora Orchestra - Hommage à la diva aux pieds nus

Cesaria Evora in 2003 • Image: Joe Wuerfel

Cesária Évora embodies the very essence of Cape Verdean music. Her enchanting voice imbued with melancholy, and her authentic stage presence transcended borders, touching the hearts of millions of listeners around the world. Montreal, like many other cities, fell under the spell of this exceptional artist during her unforgettable concerts, creating an indelible bond with world music enthusiasts.

Cesária’s unique timbre and her stage presence, barefoot and without artifice, captivated her audience by conveying the deep soul of her native archipelago, brilliantly blending the African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences that characterize Cape Verde’s rich musical heritage.

Although Cesária left us in December 2011, her musical legacy continues to live on. In 2014, driven by the desire to perpetuate her work, her former musicians joined forces with talented contemporary artists. Together, they embarked on a tour to celebrate the diva’s exceptional repertoire and preserve the uniqueness of Cape Verdean music. This initiative demonstrates Cesária Évora’s lasting impact on the global music scene and the commitment to keep the flame of this unique musical tradition alive.

Ode to Cesária Évora

On February 29, eleven talented artists will gather on the stage of Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts to celebrate the musical legacy and pay exceptional tribute to the legendary Cesária Évora.

Traquen’Art présente Cesária Évora Orchestra - Hommage à la diva aux pieds nus

Teofilo Chantre • Image: N’Krumah Lawson Daku

At the heart of this unique evening, Teófilo Chantre, Cesária’s loyal collaborator and composer, will share the stage with three remarkable female voices from Cape Verde: Elida Almeida, Ceuzany and Lucibela. These singers, deeply inspired by the iconic singer, will bring their personal touch while honouring their musical roots.

Elida-Almeida - Cesária Évora Orchestra - Hommage à la diva aux pieds nus

Elida-Almeida • Image: Alex Tome

The Cesária Évora Orchestra, under the expert direction of pianist Humberto Ramos, former musical director of the Queen of morna, will accompany these exceptional voices. Together, they will recreate the enchanting atmosphere so characteristic of Cesária’s performances.

Elida Almeida, who won over Montreal audiences at the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique in 2019, has established herself on the international scene since 2015 thanks to her contagious energy and the richness of her compositions.

Ceuzany • Image : José Sergio Ndlate - Cesária Évora Orchestra - Hommage à la diva aux pieds nus

Ceuzany • Image : José Sergio Ndlate

Ceuzany Gonçalves Pires is a rising Cape Verdean vocalist with a remarkable musical journey. She released her debut solo album Nha Vida in 2012, followed by Ilha D’Melodia in 2015, gradually establishing her unique musical voice. Her international breakthrough came in 2022 through a collaboration with French singer Christophe Maé in 2022. Known for blending traditional Cape Verdean music with modern pop and funk influences, Ceuzany continues the rich tradition of Cape Verdean musical storytelling, making her an important contemporary voice in world music.

Lucibela - Hommage à la diva aux pieds nus

Lucibela • Image : Alex Tome

Naturally destined for an artistic career, Lucibela, nicknamed the golden voice, has become a key figure in Cape Verdean music. Her rich and powerful timbre, both warm and expressive, evokes Cesária’s legacy while asserting her own artistic identity. Acclaimed as “the heir to Cesária Évora’s musical heritage,” this young Cape Verdean singer illuminates the international scene with her warm, nuanced voice and incomparable talent. Her interpretations of sparkling coladeiras and captivating mornas revive the soul of Cape Verde, a precious heritage immortalized by Cesária Évora.

The evening promises to be much more than just a concert, shaping up to be a true celebration of Cape Verdean culture, transporting the audience to the enchanting musical universe of the archipelago. In the heart of Montreal’s winter, this show will offer a sun-drenched interlude, reminiscent of the warmth and passion that characterize the music of Cesária Évora and her spiritual heirs.

Performers

Cesária Évora Orchestra

Humberto Ramos, piano
Cesar Lima, guitar
Kiki Barbosa, cavaquinho
Djim Job, bass
Calou Jam, drums
Kose, saxophone
Russell William, trumpet

Cesária Évora Orchestra
Tribute to Cesária Évora

MONTREAL
Thursday, February 27, 2025, 7:30 PM
Place des Arts | Théâtre Maisonneuve
1600 Saint-Urbain Street
514 842-2112 – 1 866 842-2112
Tickets

QUEBEC CITY
February 21, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Palais Montcalm
995 D’Youville Square
418 641-6040 – 1 877 641-6040
Tickets

TORONTO
February 22, 2025 – 8:00 PM
The Royal Conservatory, Koerner Hall
273 Bloor St W
416 408-0208
Tickets

Feature image: Cesaria Evora in 2006 • Joe Wuerfel

Bouton S'inscrire à l'infolettre – WestmountMag.ca

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Traquen’Art has an impressive track record with more than 600 concerts in music and other forms of performing arts. A rich and varied programming, presenting internationally renowned artists on different Quebec stages.



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