Hope Talk
希望講堂
Echoes of Longing
聲之所繫：葡萄牙吉他與台灣月琴
Aug 24
8月24日
12:30pm - 2:00pm
About the Program
What happens when the Portuguese guitar and the Taiwanese yueqin meet—two plucked string instruments rich with memory and emotion? What kind of musical whispers will they share?
“Saudade” is a uniquely Portuguese word, untranslatable in its entirety. It expresses a deep longing for the past and one’s homeland, while also carrying a quiet hope for the future. Fado, often called Portugal’s national music, conveys the essence of saudade through soulful vocals and the melancholic resonance of the Portuguese guitar. In Taiwan, traditional operas and folk storytelling performances frequently feature the yueqin (moon guitar), whose mellow and slightly mournful tones are the perfect accompaniment to khàu tiāu-á—weeping melodies that speak of impermanence and the weight of human emotions.
This year at TAIWANfest, Portuguese guitarist Simon Arruda joins A-Tat, the lead vocalist of TUDI-VOICE and a student of legendary yueqin master Chen Ming-Chang, for a cross-cultural musical dialogue. Hailing from distinct cultural backgrounds, these two musicians come together to share the history and stories embedded in their instruments. Through music, a new, unexpected connection between Portugal and Taiwan will unfold—one note at a time.
A-Tat is the lead singer and the soul of TUDI-VOICE, and has been involved in social movements through his music. He learnt the traditional Taiwanese instrument, yueqin, under the legendary Chen Ming Chang, and insists on communicating and composing in Taiwanese. He says, "How can folk songs not have a land to sing to, and how can a land not have a mother tongue?”
Formed in 2006, TUDI-VOICE uses Taiwanese ballads and the spirit of rock as the basis of their creative work. Through music, they express their concern for Taiwan's rural villages, the grassroots action, and the sustainability of the land. Like this, they have created a unique style of Taiwanese rural rock. Through music, TUDI-VOICE gives voice to the marginalized in society, and always insists on pursuing the values of equality, justice, and freedom, and is full of passion and ideals for the countryside. They treat every performance as a journey and every song as a love letter to Taiwan. With love for and belief in the land, they pour their powerful energy into music and give it back to the land of Taiwan, with melodies that are sometimes angry and impassioned, and sometimes soft and tender. No matter how it sounds, it is the most simple and natural wisdom nurtured by this land.
Simon Arruda is a Guitarrista; he plays the Portuguese guitar (Fado guitar) and is a passionate educator with a deep connection to Portuguese culture and music. He approaches the instrument with dedication and respect, striving to celebrate the beauty of Fado and its cultural significance. Whether performing at events or teaching young musicians, Simon aims to inspire others to connect with music on a meaningful level.
Simon performs at events, concerts, and cultural celebrations, showcasing the intricate beauty and emotional depth of Fado. His repertoire features a blend of traditional instrumental Fados and contemporary arrangements, bringing a fresh yet authentic voice to this cherished musical form.
Simon continues to explore innovative ways to bridge tradition and modernity, ensuring that the rich sounds of Fado and instrumental music inspire generations to come.
From the Curating Team
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TAIWANfest Toronto is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, that is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered here, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples of this land while we engage in meaningful conversations of culture and reconciliation.