The São Paulo Symphony Orchestra is one of South America’s leading symphony orchestras. The Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo is the state orchestra of Brazil’s commercial capital. Its home stage is the Sala São Paulo.
São Paulo Symphony Orchestra Carnegie Hall Debut
The São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, led by Marin Alsop, makes its Carnegie Hall debut with a program of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” and works by Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos on Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditiorium / Perelman Stage on Friday, October 14, 2022. From $30. carnegiehall.org 🇧🇷
Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Sheherazade” is a symphonic suite inspired by the folk tale “One Thousand and One Nights.” This popular work is part of the standard Ballet repertoire. Brazil produces world-class Ballet dancers.
The program features Villa-Lobos’ Prelúdio from “Bachianas brasileiras No 4.” Harmonica master José Staneck is featured soloist for the “Harmonica Concerto.” The São Paulo Symphony Choir sings “Chôros No. 10.”
The concert celebrates Brazil’s bicentennial. The program is saying, we’re Classical AND we’re Brazilian. Many Americans don’t realize that Brazil has strong classical traditions in music, opera and ballet.
Marin Alsop
Marin Alsop is the orchestra’s honorary conductor. She was principal conductor from 2012-2019.
Heitor Villa-Lobos
Heitor Villa-Lobos is one of the most famous South American composers. Like classical composers in Europe, he was inspired by his homeland’s folk traditions. Villa-Lobos is most famous for his “Bachianas Brasileiras” (Brazilian music in the style of Bach), his Chôros, and his etudes for classical guitar.
Brazil has a strong classical guitar tradition. Some of the world’s best living players are Brazilian.
Choro
Choro, or Chorinho, is a celebratory musical form from Rio de Janeiro. New Orleans Jazz sounds a lot like Choro. Both have that happy Carnival / Mardi Gras feeling.