Gaspar Varela, a remarkable individual, is the great-grandson of the renowned Celeste Rodrigues, who instilled in him a deep passion for the Portuguese guitar from a tender age. His ardent desire to accompany his great-grandmother, a legendary figure in the world of Fado, drove him to pursue his dream of mastering the instrument.
At the tender age of seven, Gaspar's dream came true when he was fortunate enough to receive guidance from his Master and Professor, the esteemed guitarist Paulo Parreira, at the prestigious Radio Amália Gala. This marked the beginning of a lifelong journey, as Gaspar went on to accompany Celeste Rodrigues on numerous occasions, honing his skills and perfecting his craft.
Throughout his relatively short but illustrious musical career, Gaspar has been privileged to participate in three albums, including "Saudade do Futuro", "Brincar aos Fados", and "Vozes de Amália". His artistic influences are deeply rooted in the works of his esteemed Masters, Artur Paredes, Carlos Paredes, and Jaime Santos, whose tutelage has greatly shaped his unique style.
Gaspar's professional path has been marked by encounters with numerous esteemed musicians and Fado singers, including the accomplished guitarist Pedro de Castro, who has kindly offered him the opportunity to perform at his fado house, Mesa de Frades, in the historic Alfama neighborhood. This exposure has allowed Gaspar to refine his skills and share his talent with a wider audience.
The year 2019 was a pivotal moment in Gaspar's life, marked by significant changes and milestones. Following the release of his debut album, "Gaspar", with the label Museu do Fado Discos, which sold out the CCB auditorium, the guitarist had the privilege of meeting the legendary Madonna, with whom he collaborated on various musical projects in Lisbon's bars. This meeting led to an extraordinary invitation from the artist, who asked Gaspar to join her on her world tour, "Madame X", a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.