“Mozambique – the beauty and the pain” by Stephen Powell is the February talk organised by the Algarve History Association on Tuesday, February 24, in Lagoa Municipal Library (6pm), and Friday, February 27, in Tavira Municipal Library (11am). The talks are free to attend.
Stephen Powell spent about three months in Mozambique, with a little side-trip into Malawi. In Moatize, he witnessed the environmental struggle by local people against the owners of the coal mine. They were supported by the commitment of one businessman in particular.
Stephen also met the American millionaire who has funded the restoration of Gorongosa National Park. Ravaged by civil war, many species had disappeared but have now returned and Gorongosa has become a role model for Africa. The key is deep engagement with local people and the introduction of new crops and expansion of education and health facilities.
Stephen advises Mozambique as a travel destination not over-burdened with tourism and blessed with friendly people and beautiful landscapes. He writes about his travels in a new book, Letters from Mozambique, and promises to have copies of his book for sale at these two events.
AHA founders Lynne and Peter Booker will organise a lunch after the Tavira talk – please let them know if you would like to have lunch.
Concert at Quintinha da Música
The AHA’s next concert will take place at Quintinha da Música, near Tavira, on Sunday, March 1 at 4pm. It will again feature Opera Rebels, the energetic threesome who electrified the audience last April.
The two singers, Roza Herwig and Ana-Carmen Balestra, will be accompanied by Julius Backer at the piano and will present arias and songs from opera and musicals. Roza and Ana-Carmen have been trained in the Conservatorium van Amsterdam as opera singers, whilst pianist Julius studied at Sweelinck Academy in Amsterdam, the Yehudi Menuhin School in London and the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne. Their repertoire ranges from the 16th to the 21st century.
Reservations at €30 should be made through Peter at peterbooker1347@gmail.com
