Fernando Machado is a musician, composer, workshop leader, creative facilitator and teacher.

After finishing his studies as a Classical Guitarist in 2002, he started researching and working in the field of Brazilian Traditional music and songwriting. For six years, he composed and performed with various groups based in São Paulo, Brazil. These groups connected traditional, roots music to dance, theatre, literature and storytelling and from this moment on, Fernando’s work became focused on cross-arts collaborations in a range of settings, including interactive dance performances, children’s plays, acrobatic theatre and contemporary dance pieces.

In 2008, he moved to London, completing a Masters in Music Leadership at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2010. The collaborative nature of the programme, the community approach to music making and the contact with musicians from different parts of the world opened the door to a diverse musical career focused on creativity, collaboration and exploring well-being through music in community settings.

As a performer in the UK, Fernando has performed his music in venues such as The Southbank Centre, The Barbican Centre, Rich Mix, Vortex Jazz Venue, Café Oto, Battersea Arts Centre, Passing Clouds and festivals such as Tropical Pressure Festival, Kemptown Carnival, Shambala and Bestival just to mention a few. One of his songs, "Alô, Berenice?", was also featured on BBC Radio World on 3 (BBC introducing). Fernando also nurtures his passion for cross arts collaborations in the UK and has worked as a musician for contact improvisation dance jams, theatre companies and visual artists.

Facilitating music making in community settings is a strong part of Fernando’s identity and contributes to his growth and development as an artist. As a workshop leader, he delivers creative music workshops, body percussion and Brazilian music and dance workshops in arts institutions, prisons, refugee centres, hospices, hospitals, nurseries, primary, secondary and special schools and community centres. International projects include work in the UK, Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, The Gambia, Palestine and Russia. He also delivers Continuing Professional Development training for music educators, musicians (including placements for undergraduate students from the Guildhall School of Music) and mentors students from Aldeburgh Young Musicians.

Fernando latest productions include “Elements”, an EP inspired by the four elements exploring the electric guitar (commissioned by the Guildhall School); Borges Machado’s “Building Sites” exploring free improvisation and field recordings; and three EPs of his own songs under the name Lambrego. Fernando has also produced the first Babado de Chita album (feat. Dona Onete, Marcelo Pretto, Côco Raízes de Arcoverde and Gil de Piquete) and the children’s album Archway Groovy Tots (in partnership with the Archway Children’s Centre).