On the afternoon of Saturday, 21st March 2026, MCM College set the stage for a captivating event—the premiere of the Lusophone Series, 2026. This unique gathering offered staff, students, and guests an extraordinary journey into the realm of illusions, masterfully crafted by the renowned Grand Master, António Cardinal. What unfolded was more than a mere workshop; it was an immersive experience where the ordinary was transformed into the extraordinary.

               

               

               

Mr. António Cardinal, a distinguished magician from Porto, Portugal, regards illusions “as a rich tapestry woven from experiences, emotions, and adventures”. His workshop invited members of the audience to explore the enchanting nature of existence itself, inviting them to embrace wonder and curiosity as essential parts of life’s journey. Audience participation was a key element, with many guests called upon to assist in the illusions. The resulting surprises and unexpected outcomes unequivocally challenged their perceptions, sparking awe and delight that only deepened their engagement and a craving for more.

Throughout the event, Mr. Cardinal’s magnetic stage presence and clever surprises sustained an atmosphere of astonishment and unpredictability. What might have been an ordinary Saturday afternoon was transformed into a spectacular showcase of magic and mystery, leaving indelible memories etched in the minds of all who attended.

With nearly fifty years of experience, António Cardinal is a celebrated figure in the world of magic. Beyond his performances across Portugal, the United States, Canada, Spain, Macau, Tunisia, Angola, Cape Verde, and Germany, he has contributed significantly to the art through numerous published papers and leadership roles in prominent magic institutions, including organizing the acclaimed MagicValongo event. His craft continues to inspire both audiences and aspiring magicians worldwide.

                                           

The Lusophone Series premiere at MCM College was a testament to the power of illusion not simply regarded as entertainment, but as a profound exploration of wonder and human experience, skillfully brought to life by a true master of his craft.

Click to see the slideshow:  https://youtube.com/shorts/MkJbvJf6QzE?si=FzZ7uEh1OYDiQUCs

This magic performance left me with a kind of excitement that is hard to put into words—much like the feeling I had as a child the first time I secretly learned how to conceal a coin in the palm of my hand: thrilled, and yet not quite able to believe it was real.

Throughout the entire show, the magician spoke to the audience in Portuguese. I could not understand what he said, but his voice—with rises and falls, perfectly timed pauses, and waves of gasps and exclamations from the audience—was enough to draw me completely into his rhythm. In that moment, language seemed to become secondary. What truly mattered were his eyes, his gestures, the suspense he created, and the imagination he awakened.

Dong Yang

The master’s magic show is truly a visual art. Without complicated props, just a deck of playing cards, he can perform all kinds of tricks: smoothly separating the face-up and face-down stacked cards, producing any desired card value, and so on. It is as if he can command the playing cards at will.

Peng Tianyu