João FarinhA

Singer, composer, and a tireless ambassador of Coimbra fado, João Farinha is one of the most distinguished contemporary voices of this unique Portuguese musical tradition.

Born into a family deeply connected to the music and poetry of Coimbra, João Farinha was introduced to the world of fado at a very young age through his father. Immersed in the tradition from childhood, he grew up surrounded by legendary figures of Coimbra’s musical scene. The passion ignited early on only grew stronger as he donned the traditional black student cloak of the University of Coimbra, where he fully embraced the art form.

Over the years, Farinha became an active force in revitalising and expanding the reach of Coimbra fado. He co-founded several influential projects, including the group ÆMINIUM (1998), Coimbra Ensemble (2005), and the renowned Fado ao Centro (2011) — a pioneering cultural initiative that has brought Coimbra fado to global audiences.

Farinha has introduced new textures, poetic influences, and instrumentation to this art form with a style deeply rooted in tradition yet open to innovation. His repertoire includes both classic and original works, and his discography reflects over two decades of artistic exploration, with highlights such as Sim (2018), Solto (2020), and De Coimbra com Amor (2020). His music has reached global audiences — from Brazil to Japan, the United States to Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

On stage, João Farinha blends academic tradition and emotional depth to create immersive, authentic, and deeply human concerts. His performances pay tribute to iconic names such as Zeca Afonso, Carlos Paredes, Adriano Correia de Oliveira, and Manuel Alegre while forging new pathways for the future of Coimbra’s musical heritage.

Adaptable to intimate venues and large stages, João Farinha performs with a core trio (Portuguese guitar, classical guitar, and percussion) and, when required, a broader ensemble with bass, strings, and electric guitar. This versatility makes his concerts ideal for cultural festivals, international tours, and prestigious concert halls.