Fado is a style of Portuguese folk and blues. Life, longing, destiny and despair are its subjects. Yet magically, however deep and raw the emotion of Claudia Aurora’s music, it is by no means sad.

The emotion is in her voice, which she was struggling with at this show due to a bug. Despite this, her performance was captivating throughout. She began tentatively, but when she sung the first traditional fado of the evening, the show came alive.

Aurora passionately performs the traditional songs her grandmother taught her, which is not to be in any way disparaging about her own compositions which often blend with other styles, such as the bossa nova.

There were Portuguese in the audience, which gave this show a little something extra. Aurora’s stage presence was relaxed and charming. Her English (she lives in Bristol) is excellent. She sketched both a history of fado and the songs themselves.

Her three musicians – Javier Moreno (Spanish guitar), Jon Short (double bass) and Kate Shortt (cello) – provided a fine accompaniment.

To be in the company of a genuine artiste in such an intimate space as the Komedia Studio was a joy and privilege. Fantastico!