A group of young musicians went viral recently after sharing a cover version of the Toto song ‘Africa,’ done with each member recording their part from home separately. The 40 musicians come from the Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestras.
FALL RIVER – Maestro Manuel M. Canito, considered by many as the king of the Portuguese marching band world, was laid to rest on Monday.
As his coffin and family and friends exited Fall River’s Santo Christo Church, the Our Lady of Light Band, which he co-founded and conducted for nearly five decades, said its final farewell by playing a funeral march he composed.
Those who knew him not just as a musician but as a community leader offered accolades and reminiscences, while saying the Portuguese community has lost a legend.
“His music is going to live on forever,” said Scott Lopes, current music director and conductor of Our Lady of Light Band. “He was a master at music… music was his life. We were fortunate to have him as our leader.”