ABOUT CARMELIA MAR
About
Carmelia Mar Music is a platform dedicated to the artistry of vocalist Carmelia Mar, celebrating her eclectic style that moves seamlessly through fado, soul, blues, rock, jazz, Motown, and beyond. The site features her work across a variety of formats from intimate solo and duo performances to dynamic trio and full-band shows, bringing music to life in theatres, festivals, private events, and corporate gatherings.
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Alongside her performance career, the platform also showcases her musical journey, highlights past collaborations, and offers vocal coaching bookings for aspiring singers. With a vision to expand her presence across the UK and eventually worldwide, Carmelia Mar continues to captivate audiences of all ages with performances that are soulful, versatile, and unforgettable.
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Carmelia Mar – Musical Journey
Carmelia’s musical path began at the tender age of four, dancing to the timeless sounds of Glenn Miller and Billie Holiday on her family’s record player. Her love for music was nurtured early on by her grandfather, a passionate saxophonist and clarinet player, whose stories and melodies left a lasting impression on her heart.
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At six, Carmelia began studying classical ballet and music, developing a deep appreciation for rhythm, harmony, and artistic expression. By the age of fourteen, she discovered her voice and began taking her singing more seriously.
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After finishing school, she pursued Vocal and Music Education at the renowned Escola de Jazz do Porto, part of the prestigious Barreiros family’s legacy. There, she studied under the celebrated jazz singer Fátima Serro, who became a key influence in her vocal development.
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During this time, Carmelia formed one of Porto’s first cover bands, “Made in Porto,” performing across Portugal in iconic venues such as Pedra do Couto and many others. Her talent and charisma soon led her to national television, where she appeared on a prime-time TV show, performing Billie Holiday’s classic “That Ole Devil Called Love.” The performance received widespread acclaim from both the press and fellow musicians.
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Carmelia went on to collaborate with some of Portugal’s most respected artists, including Ramon Galarza, Sérgio Godinho, Bárbara Guimarães, Fernando Martins, and Ian Van Dijk. She graced prestigious stages such as the Coliseu dos Recreios, Casino do Estoril, and Casino de Espinho, among others.
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After moving to the UK, Carmelia immersed herself in the local jazz scene, performing in various jam sessions and connecting with talented musicians. She became the lead singer of Grupo Bossa, exploring her passion for Latin and Brazilian jazz, and later developed her own projects: “Jazz Through the Eras,” celebrating timeless jazz standards, and "The Sound of Saudade,” a heartfelt blend of Fado, Bossa Nova, and Soul.
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Today, Carmelia continues to perform across England, enchanting audiences in venues such as Leicester Cathedral, Jazz Committee in Lincolnshire, Garibaldi Hotel, The Lab, and The Charles Bradlaugh. Her voice carries the essence of her journey rooted in passion, nostalgia, and an enduring love for music that transcends borders.