Cesária Évora Orchestra – tribute to the Barefoot Diva

Traquen’Art will present Cesária Évora Orchestra – Tribute to the Barefoot Diva, at Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts, on Thursday, February 27.

This concert brings together Cape Verde’s finest singers and musicians to honour the unforgettable musical legacy of Cesária Évora, an iconic figure of world music. Vocalists Elida Almeida, Ceuzany, Lucibela, Teófilo Chantre and the Cesária Évora Orchestra will be coming to Montreal to offer a vibrant tribute to the legendary singer.

Affectionately known as the “barefoot diva”, Cesária Évora is undoubtedly the most famous singer from Cape Verde. With her uniquely melancholic tone and inimitable style, she captured millions of hearts and mesmerized audiences worldwide. Montreal is no exception, where she each visit strengthened her special bond with Montrealers and with world music lovers on several memorable visits to our city.

In 2014, three years after her passing, her former musicians and prominent voices of today united to tour and honour her repertoire and the unique style of Cape Verdean music.

An ode to Cesária Évora: On stage, 11 artists, including Teófilo Chantre, composer and Cesária’s long-time collaborator, alongside talented Cape Verdean singers Elida Almeida, Ceuzany and Lucibela, who, inspired by the icon of sodade, proudly embrace their roots. They’ll be accompanied by the instrumental ensemble Cesária Évora Orchestra, directed by pianist Humberto Ramos.

Elida Almeida, who showed Montrealers her dynamism and rich compositions at the Festival international des nuits d’Afrique in 2019, has been making her mark on the international scene since 2015. Ceuzany, discovered throughout Europe thanks to her album Nha Vida, gained notoriety through a duet with Christophe Maé in 2022. As for Lucibela, the “golden voice”, she has become a true star of Cape Verdean music on the world stage. During summer tours in 2019 and 2024 she gave Quebec audiences the chance to appreciate her rich, powerful timbre, recalling the heritage of Cesária while bringing her personal touch.

The evening at Théâtre Maisonneuve promises not only an unforgettable homage to the great Cesária Évora, but also a celebration of the richness of Cape Verdean culture—like a warm, tropical breeze in the depth of Montreal’s winter.

Tickets are on sale at the Place des Arts box office: 175, Sainte-Catherine Street West, placedesarts.com or 514-842-2112. Toll free: 1-866-842-2112