Maria Albertina

Born in Ovar, Maria Albertina felt the appeal of a successful artistic career at a very young age. Remarkable singer and actress, Maria Albertina started singing the Coimbra fado, debuting as a singer in July 1931, in the play «História do Fado»at Teatro Maria Vitória.

In 1932 she wins the “Gold Guitar” award, in a competition organized by the newspapers “Diário de Notícias” and “O Século”.

Maria Albertina performed regional songs in the vaudeville play «Viva a folia!», at Teatro Ginmásio, in February 1933 and recorded for the first time in July, singing «Fado dos beijos quentes» in the movie «Canção de Lisboa», conquering an enormous success.

She inaugurated “Retiro da Severa” at Luna Parque and in January 1934 she debuted as an actress in the vaudeville play «Vista Alegre», composing the famous picture by Malhoa “O Fado” with Carlos Ramos.

During her career pathway, Maria Albertina sang in the theatres Ginmásio, Maria Vitória, at “Solar da Alegria” and the tea room of “Café Chave d'Ouro”, at Grémio Alentejano and Maxim's. Maria Albertina also sang at bullfights in Vila Franca de Xira and at a party organized by the duchess of Duquesa de Palmela, at the palaces of the Counts of Torre and Fontalva, at the home of the banker Ricardo Espírito Santo.

She also performed at Emissora Nacional and Rádio Clube Português.

Maria Albertina went on tour in Brazil, Argentina, Spain, U.S.A., and Canada, performing at several stages; special reference should be made to her visit to Paris for the International Exhibition, where she represented Portuguese folklore with great success, leading to invitations to perform at two Parisian radio stations.

As an actress she performed, always successful, she also performed in the vaudeville plays «Viva a folia!», «Bola de neve» (1935), «O Rapa» (1935), «Sardinha assada» (1935), «Á vara larga» (1936), «Feira de Agosto» (1936), «Coração de Alfama» (uma opereta), «Há festa na Mouraria»(1936), «Maria Rita» (1936) and «Água vai» (1937), in addition to the ones already mentioned.

Later, she entered the movie «Bocage» (1936), singing «Bailarico saloio».

In 1941 Maria Albertina enters the Grande Marcha de Lisboa.

In the 1960s, she was hired to sing at the typical restaurant “O Faia”, where she stayed for 20 years.

She is the mother of Cândido Mota, a radio and TV presenter.

She was an honorary member of Grupo Tauromáquico Sector 1, a contributing member of Cruz Verde; won the title «Best Singer» at a competition promoted by Rádio Luso.

Awards: «Gold Helmet», September 1932; first prize at the competition «Who is the most famous artist in the Portuguese theatre?», on the 21 August 1936.

Maria Albertina died in 1985 and her assets are deposited in Museu Nacional do Teatro.

Source:

“Guitarra de Portugal” 14 February 1935;

“Guitarra de Portugal”, 27 December 1937;

“Canção do Sul”, 16 August 1940;

Machado, A. Victor (1937) “Ídolos do Fado”, Lisboa, Tipografia Gonçalves;