Biography

Generally considered the greatest and most internationally famous Portuguese conductor ever.

Son of Fidélio de Freitas Branco (b. Funchal, 16 June 1861, d. 29 October 1918) and wife D. Maria da Costa de Sousa de Macedo (b. Rome, 15 July 1867, d. 25 March 1950), paternal granddaughter of the 1st Count of Vila Franca do Campo Nobleman of Coat of Arms of de Albuquerque (crest), de Sousa of the Lords of the Prado, da Costa and de Macedo with crown of Count and brother of composer Luís de Freitas Branco, Maria Cândida da Costa de Freitas Branco (b. 7 August 1892) and Isabel Maria da Costa de Freitas Branco (b. Mercês, Lisbon, 6 August 1895).

Had two daughters with his wife (b. 1903): Isabel Joana Maria Lévêque de Freitas Branco (b. 17 May 1932, d. Nevogilde, Porto, 16 April 2024) and Maria Helena Stella Lévêque de Freitas Branco (b. 16 March 1936).

Had two stepsons from his wife's first marriage (to José Castelo Lopes) named Gérard Maria José Lévêque Castelo Lopes (b. Vichy, 6 August 1925, d. Paris, 12 February 2011), photographer, and José Manuel Lévêque Castelo Lopes.

First cousin once removed of composer Bernardo Sassetti.