The strength of women unites on stage in Coimbra for an unforgettable performance
A constantly growing lineup now includes several revolutionary names: the Women’s Choir of the Factory, one of the most powerful collectives of female voices in Portugal, joins the acclaimed Galician singer Uxía Domínguez Senlle for an unforgettable performance at the MATE Festival 2024, which will take place at the Convento de São Francisco in Coimbra on the night of October 19.
Born in 2022, the Women’s Choir of the Factory arises from Vânia Couto’s desire to create space for women in the Centro region and stands out for its deep connection to the 19th-century workers’ movement. Using music as a tool for intergenerational resistance and memory, the group revisits traditional songs that accompanied generations of women, and workers in Portugal, whether in the fields or at home, singing stories of struggle and dignity. Currently, about fifty women gather weekly at the Atelier “A Fábrica” in Coimbra to give life to this collective, reviving the spirit of community.
Their performance at MATE 2024 will be a moment of reflection on gender equality, labour rights, and the transformative power of collective voices.
To make this event even more special, the renowned Galician singer Uxía Domínguez Senlle will take the stage alongside the choir. Considered one of the greatest representatives of Galician and Lusophone music, with 39 years of career, she has renewed traditional Galician music by blending it with Atlantic sounds such as morna, fado, and Brazilian rhythms.
Since her debut with Foliada de Marzo in 1986, Uxía has built a diverse repertoire through collaborations with artists from Portuguese-speaking countries, such as João Afonso, Dulce Pontes, and António Zambujo. With 12 albums released, she has been recognized with various awards, including the Galician Critics Award and the Best Root Music Album at the Spanish Independent Music Awards. Uxía is also the artistic director of the International Festival of Lusophony, Cantos na Maré.
Uxía’s presence reinforces the MATE Festival’s commitment to gender issues and the promotion of music and culture from the global south. Together, Uxía and the Women’s Choir of the Factory will create a unique fusion of voices and styles, celebrating the strength of women and the cultural richness of the Iberian Peninsula and the Lusophone world.
The performance will take place in the magnificent Convento de São Francisco in Coimbra, a historic space that resonates with the spirit of resistance and communion. The audience can expect a unique and exciting experience that transcends the stage and touches on universal themes of struggle and hope.
The 2nd edition of the MATE Festival in Portugal runs from October 19 to 22. Establishing itself as a platform for professionals in the cultural and creative industries in Portugal, MATE celebrates Music, Art, Technology, and Education in a collaborative and multidisciplinary meeting. The festival offers the opportunity to experience the best of creativity through musical performances from established and emerging artists, innovative workshops, specialized lectures, art exhibitions, and much more. Tickets are now available for sale.
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.
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