Iberia: Saudade & Duende

Fábio Fernandes invites you on an intimate journey through the rich musical landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula, exploring the distinctive voices of Portugal and Spain. From the melancholy of saudade to the intensity of duende, this programme brings together works that turn inward, drawing on a rich history, ancient traditions, and deep emotional states. Through a carefully-curated selection, Fábio reveals both the subtle connections and the contrasts between these two closely linked cultures.

Fábio Fernandes is a Portuguese classical guitarist and lutenist committed to bringing visibility to lesser-known and forgotten works, while expanding the repertoire of his instrument through transcriptions and new commissions. He is passionate about curating narrative-
driven programmes that engage and stimulate audiences beyond the conventional expectations of classical music performance. Praised for his versatility and expressive performances, his highlights include recitals at the Barbican Centre, St James’s Church Piccadilly, Milton Court Concert Hall, the English Music Festival, the Auditorio de la Diputación de Alicante, and a solo appearance with the Orquestra Con Spirito in Portugal. Fábio is an alumnus of the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama and of the Máster Guitarra Alicante in Spain. There, he studied with some of the world’s leading guitarists, including David Russell, Manuel Barrueco, Sérgio Assad, and Fabio Zanon, graduating cum laude.

This is an ILAMS concert organised in collaboration with Pixaudio and the Instituto Cervantes as part of the 2026 London Classical Guitar Festival