Opera & Chocolate presents the world premiere of : "TEARS OF A MERMAID"

Lagrimas de uma Sereia

é uma ópera mítica em formato cabaré como nenhuma outra — uma fusão entre o poder dramático de Verdi e Bellini, a alma emocionante dos clássicos do Fado como Estranha Forma de Vida, e as paisagens sonoras cinematográficas intensas de Batman e Matrix.

Com a lendária artista de fogo Felicity Fyr Le Fay como a Rainha Suprema do mundo subaquático, e a prima bailarina Jussara Diaz como o Anjo da Luz, que guia as almas perdidas do mar.

Situada na icónica Praça de Touros do Sítio, em Nazaré, a ópera segue Seraphina (soprano Tanya Valentin), uma sereia amaldiçoada, e Rafael contratenor João Paulo Ferreira, um homem dividido entre o amor e o destino. Tanya Valentin, Soprano, Serafina. A extraordinária fadista Filipa Valente interpreta a confidente de Seraphina.

Com mais de 80 artistas em palco — incluindo habitantes locais, marinheiros, sereias, anjos e criaturas míticas — esta é uma experiência imersiva repleta de árias, fogo e magia teatral que leva o público das profundezas do oceano até ao coração do desejo humano.

Espere vozes poderosas, visuais de tirar o fôlego e uma viagem inesquecível a uma lenda que se recusa a desaparecer.

Após o enorme sucesso do ano passado com o projeto Ópera & Chocolate, que misturou ópera clássica com fado e samba no Teatro Chaby Pinheiro do Sítio, voltamos ainda maiores! Desta vez, levamos o espetáculo para o cenário belo e misterioso da Praça de Touros da Nazaré.

Tears of a Mermaid

is a mythical cabaret fusion opera like no other—blending the dramatic power of Verdi and Bellini, the emotional soul of Fado classics like Estranha Forma de Vida, and the pulse-pounding cinematic soundscapes of Batman and Matrix.

Featuring the legendary fire performer Felicity Fyr Le Fay as the High Queen of the underwater world, and prima ballerina Jussara as the Angel of Light, who guides lost souls from the sea.

Set in the iconic Praça de Touros do Sítio in Nazaré, the opera follows Seraphina soprano Tanya Valentin, a cursed mermaid, and Rafael Countertenor João Paulo Ferreira, a man torn between love and destiny. Filipa Valente extraordinary Fadoinsta as the confidant from Serafina.

With over 80 performers—including villagers, sailors, mermaids, angels, and mythical beings—this is an immersive spectacle of arias, fire, and theatrical magic that takes you from the ocean’s depths to the soul’s core.

Expect powerful vocals, breathtaking visuals and an unforgettable journey into a legend that refuses to fade.

Tanya Valentin Berman,

**Tanya Berman**, also known as *Tanya Valentin*, is a visionary opera singer, concert creator, and fashion designer. Born in Germany to a Puerto Rican mother and a German father, Tanya’s unique heritage and creative spirit have shaped her groundbreaking career. A graduate of the Mannes College of Music in New York, where she trained as a classical soprano, Tanya consistently reinvents her artistry, merging classical opera with contemporary genres in ways that defy convention.

Tanya’s early career took root in New York's vibrant underground scene in the 2000s, where she performed at iconic venues such as Nublu and the infamous Lotus Club. Her official debut at the rock 'n' roll venue “Snitch” was covered by the *New York Post*’s Page Six, and her fusion of classical and modern music left legendary rock bands like Korn, Fuel, and Velvet Revolver in awe.

Under her stage name *Tanya Valentin*, she partnered with DJ Mark Feggins to create the groundbreaking “Fashion Concerto”—a futuristic fusion of a dramatic fashion collection with operatic performances, blending classical music and pop culture. This unique concept debuted at Funkshion Miami and was broadcast on BET’s Fashion Channel.

In 2006, Tanya returned to Germany and collaborated with MTV Europe’s “Best German Act” winner, Xavier Naidoo, for performances at prestigious venues such as Munich’s State Castle Residenz, Vienna’s Castle Belvedere, and Frankfurt’s Open Air Classical Festival. She pioneered the innovative *Klassik Unplugged*, performing classical arias by Mozart, Verdi, Schubert, and Strauss, with arrangements by renowned composer Chris Haller. The performances were accompanied by chill-out and lounge music curated by DJ Jondal from Classic Radio, bringing a fresh take to traditional classical concerts.

Tanya’s velvety soprano voice, known for its crystal-clear tone and distinctive timbre, has captivated audiences across Europe. Her unique ability to blend traditional and modern compositions allows her to traverse genres effortlessly—from classical lieder to New Age, pop, and house.

In 2008, Tanya became the resident artist at Mansion, a 10,000-square-foot entertainment venue in New York, where she performed for exclusive events, including the Tribeca Film Festival Director Awards for Robert De Niro and New York Fashion Week opening parties for designers Zac Posen and Jeremy Scott. At these high-profile events, she continued to captivate diverse audiences by blending operatic arias with contemporary genres, all while showcasing her self-designed avant-garde fashion, merging her passion for both music and couture.

Her fashion brand, *Desia*, launched in New York in 2000, embodies her artistic vision, merging classical music with cutting-edge design. Her dramatic performances and eye-catching wardrobe have made Tanya a symbol of innovation, earning her admiration from both press and audiences alike.

Renowned Maestro Alexander Itzbitser helped shape Tanya’s powerful voice into a sharp yet enchanting coloratura soprano, while she further refined her vocal technique under the tutelage of Professor Louis Winter at Mannes School of Music. Vocal coach Tobias Maisberger from Munich also played a key role in enhancing her voice to its current brilliance. Tanya’s performances blend classical compositions from Schubert, Wagner, and Verdi with unexpected elements, infusing rock songs by artists like Skunk Anansie with operatic soul and drama.

Tanya continues to push boundaries with her latest venture, **Opera & Chocolate**—an enchanting event that blends the beauty of opera with the indulgence of fine chocolate. Held in the picturesque town of Nazaré at the historic **Teatro Chaby Pinheiro**, this one-of-a-kind experience invites audiences to immerse themselves in the harmonious fusion of opera, jazz, and Fado, while savoring delicious chocolates. On **August 3, 2024**, Tanya was joined by talented musicians Nuno Verissimo (guitar and voice), Marcio Silveirio (guitar), and the Fado Magician Abilio Marques for a night that delighted all the senses. Whether you're an opera aficionado or a chocolate lover, **Opera & Chocolate** promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and indulgence.

Featured in major international media such as New York Post Page 6 *Elements Magazine*, *Glamour*, *Oyster Magazine*, *Sueddeutsche Zeitung*, and *Arte-TV France*, Tanya Berman continues to innovate and push the boundaries of music, fashion, and performance art, solidifying her place as a truly groundbreaking artist.

O garoto que queri ser monge solta a voz em arias barrocase e modinhas

Nascido em Garanhuns, no agreste de Pernambuco, o contratenor e muito requisitado na Europe. Ele mantem, con o marido, tambem canto lirico, um centro cultural em Alcobaca.

João Paulo Ferreira é um distinto contratenor português, celebrado pelas suas interpretações expressivas da música barroca e pelos seus projetos inovadores de fusão entre estilos. As suas performances prestam frequentemente homenagem à era dourada dos castrati, inspirando-se em figuras lendárias como Farinelli, Caffarelli e Senesino. Um dos seus programas de concerto mais notáveis, O Barroco no seu Esplendor, oferece ao público uma viagem vívida por esta rica era musical.

Além da sua carreira musical, João Paulo Ferreira é proprietário do Ópera Café, localizado no Arco de Cister, em Alcobaça. Este espaço singular reflete a sua paixão por unir a arte clássica à cultura contemporânea, funcionando como um ponto de encontro para amantes da música e criativos.

O seu mais recente álbum, Ave do Paraíso, revela a sua versatilidade enquanto contratenor, ligando de forma harmoniosa os estilos clássico e moderno. Através deste trabalho, Ferreira continua a expandir o alcance do repertório para contratenor, cativando um público diversificado e contribuindo para a evolução do género.

With over 20 years in the hairdressing industry and 12 years as an educator, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients and professionals alike discover their ideal style. I’ve worked with leading brands such as Schwarzkopf Professional, Gocciani, Kemon, and Vision Hair Care, driving innovation and raising industry standards.

As Global Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional, I represented Sweden, training with some of the world’s top stylists in Hamburg and returning to mentor the Swedish team, elevating the level of hairdressing nationwide.

My work has taken me to high-profile events like Stockholm Fashion Week, Copenhagen Fashion Week, and the Eurovision Song Contest. Touring with the Eurovision Contest allowed me to style hair for the live TV show every weekend, further refining my craft in high-pressure, high-visibility environments. I was also honored with the Hairdressing Team of the Year award, recognizing my dedication and collaboration with a talented team.

With a deep understanding of color theory, hair, and advanced chemistry, I adapt easily to any brand or product, consistently delivering exceptional results. Connecting with people—clients, colleagues, and fellow creatives—is one of the greatest joys of this profession, and I believe that, together, we have the power to make a lasting impact in the beauty industry.

After a successful career in television, she relocated to Nazaré, Portugal, where she established Iemanjá Studio, offering hair and makeup services at Rua de Rio Maior 18, 2450-162 Nazaré. Anja is renowned for her avant-garde hair creations and will be showcasing her expertise at the upcoming event. We are so honored to have Anja on board!