Short Documentary
Episode 157
4 min | 2023
Director I Nalini Elvino de Sousa
Synopsis
Sonia Shirsat, the renowned fado singer from Goa, made a milestone by inaugurating, in 2016, a groundbreaking fado course. Setting itself apart by being conducted in the Anthony Gonsalves Chair’s academic environment, this program attracted university students and opened its doors to the general public. Among the participants, some had previously shared experiences with Sonia in past courses. In contrast, many others, for the first time, sought to unravel the charms and nuances of this fascinating Portuguese musical genre. The resounding success of the course not only solidified Sonia Shirsat’s reputation as an exceptional master but laid the foundation for a possible permanent inclusion in the Anthony Gonsalves Chair. The unique synergy between the tradition of fado and the academic environment promises to enrich future iterations of the course and establish a lasting tradition in the training of fado enthusiasts and scholars in Goa.