"Brazilian Adventure"

The opening concert includes representative music from Brazil’s rich musical heritage, including 18 th -century composer José Maurício Nunes Garcia’s Overture to Zemira and the country’s foremost 20th-century composer Heitor Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. 2. Villa-Lobos’ music incorporates both Brazilian rhythms and melody in describing scenes from his native Brazil. The final section depicts “the little train of the Caipira” imitating a steam engine pulling a train through the country side. Additionally, music by Grammy-nominated composer/pianist Clarice Assad and Brazil’s first female conductor and pianist of the “choro” Chiquinha Gonzaga will be performed.Guest soloist, Britton-René Collins will perform Ney Rosauro’s Concerto No. 1 for Marimba. Brazilian born Rosauro is recognized as one of the most important composers for percussion of the 20 th -century. His music is infused with Brazilian motifs and elements of jazz. Collins is winner of the 2020 Concert Artist Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition and the 2021 Chicago International Music Competition. She began playing piano at age 5 and discovered percussion at 8 years old when she became intrigued by the drum set. She is an advocate for new music and is co-founder of the Vision Duo with violinist Ariel Horowitz. Guest soloist, Britton-René Collins will perform Ney Rosauro’s Concerto No. 1 for Marimba. Brazilian born Rosauro is recognized as one of the most important composers for percussion of the 20 th -century.