Fado (literally ‘fate’) is the de facto national song of Portugal, with origins in the dance halls of 19th century Brazil. Associated with the dictatorship that ruled Portugal until the mid 1970s, in recent years the genre has experienced a popular resurgence — and its origins in working-class protest are being rediscovered. Characterised by melancholy and passion, fado is not just a cultural artefact but a powerful living tradition, and the genre’s raw emotion bridges the gap between Portuguese and non-Portuguese speakers.

Few have done more to catapult this genre onto the international stage than Marisa dos Reis Nunes; known simply as ‘Mariza’ to legion fans, connected by heritage to the musical traditions and culture of Portugal and Mozambique. In her Proms debut, Mariza’s performance is thoroughly polished. As always with the Proms, it’s a rare treat to be in such close proximity to a world-class performer.

In Mariza’s hands, language proves no barrier to communication. Breathy, emotional intensity spirals into delicate and dynamic runs, alternating with moments that are whisper soft. Her snaking vocal runs, often tossed away, half cry, half bird-like trill – now full throated – now tremulous – now smoother than silk – captivate and delight. It’s all underscored by delicately picked Portuguese guitar (Luis Guerrerio) and acoustic guitar (Phelipe Ferreira), along with sweeping strings, provided by London Contemporary Orchestra.

Mariza immediately captures the attention of the Proms audience, opening with ‘Estranha forma de vida’ (made famous by fado icon Amália Rodrigues). Things really get going with Mariza’s rendition of ‘Lágrima’: her ability to silence the audience with her use of dynamics and sheer stage presence is truly extraordinary. Her voice against lush, richly orchestrated segments is particularly effective in songs like ‘Desejos vãos’. ‘Barco negro’ has the audience on their feet, crying for more. In the encore performance of ‘Ó gente da minha terra’, Mariza is seemingly holding back tears. On the final climatic run – as audience members cry out in support – Mariza stands in powerful silence, before delivering the kind of meslimatic run that sends shivers down the spine.

Moments in this performance do have one wishing for the more gritty and traditional setting and feel, in a performance that occasionally feels over-polished. But in the grand setting of the Royal Albert Hall, with beautiful lighting design (and a beautiful dress), Mariza gives us a very well-balanced and controlled set.

Tickets for all 71 Proms are available from just £8 on the BBC Proms 2023 website.