The Amazon Symphony Orchestra (OSA) will hold its second Amazon Series concert this Saturday (3rd) at 8 PM at the ICBEU Theater. The event will have free admission and aims to connect classical music with the cultural manifestations and sounds of the Amazon region.
Under the direction of conductor Rubens Cláudio, the program will include Edvard Grieg's piece "Holberg Suite, Op. 40," along with two unpublished works by Pará composers: the symphonic poem "Paxiúba" by João Marcos Palheta, and "Amazonian Cartographies Suite" by Cibelle Donza. The concert will also feature soloist Arley Raiol.
Unlike the inaugural concert, the OSA will opt for a more intimate formation, where strings will be the main focus, complemented by instruments such as flute and percussion, depending on the needs of each work. Conductor Rubens Cláudio emphasizes that reducing the number of musicians does not compromise the complexity of the repertoire but rather demands new interpretive approaches.
From European tradition to Amazonian stories
The connection between different musical worlds begins with Edvard Grieg. "Holberg Suite," composed by the Norwegian musician in tribute to the dramatist Ludvig Holberg, revisits ancient forms and dances, notably those linked to the Baroque period. This choice reinforces an aspect of the Amazon Series: dialoguing established international works with creations inspired by the Amazonian imagination and culture.
This meeting gains prominence with two world premieres. In "Paxiúba," João Marcos Palheta explores an indigenous narrative linked to the forest and music. The composition derives from the story of an indigenous person famous for his singing, whose journey culminates in his transformation into a palm tree, from which flutes sprout. Thus, the flute assumes a crucial role in the musical structure, serving both as a narrative element and as a guide for the audience in the composer's created universe.
Nikolay Sapoundjiev, Executive Director of the OSA, emphasizes that the work transforms the legend into a sonic experience. He explains that "it poetically tells the story of a palm tree whose roots are exposed, giving the impression that it is walking through the forest. A flute is made from these roots. It is a very beautiful legend, which João Marcos translated into music."
The second premiere of the evening is "Amazonian Cartographies Suite" by Cibelle Donza. This Pará composer and conductor developed the piece based on the rhythms, dances, and cultural experiences of her upbringing in the region. Divided into four movements, the suite references the Amazon and integrates elements such as carimbó, amazonense toada, acreano baque, and parixara, translating manifestations of local cultural memory into the language of classical music.
Rubens Cláudio points out that the composer's affinity with these references is evident in her musical writing. He comments: "She brought the dances of the region, her experience, indeed. All of this makes up the experiences that are part of our daily life. She grew up listening to carimbó, listening to boi. They are four beautiful movements." For the conductor, the premiere of any composition implies the responsibility of presenting its narrative to the audience effectively, seeking "the magical element so that it can be understood and loved in the same way I love it."
Series opens space for new composers
In addition to promoting the public's connection with musical production inspired by the Amazon, the series aims to foster a new generation of Brazilian composers. According to Nikolay Sapoundjiev, presenting the works of Cibelle Donza and João Marcos Palheta to the residents of the Amazon also serves as an opportunity to give visibility to new talents. Sapoundjiev adds that upcoming events will include pieces by young composers from Amazonas, increasing the representation of regional production during the season.
Following the success of the opening concert, the OSA expects to continue guiding the public through various facets of Amazonian music, inviting the Amazonian public to continue this musical journey and explore the mysteries of Amazon folklore.
Resident Orchestra of ICBEU
Since its founding in 2024, the Amazon Symphony Orchestra (OSA) has received cultural support from ICBEU. This partnership establishes the OSA as the resident orchestra of the Brazil-United States Cultural Institute (ICBEU), contributing significantly to the strengthening and dissemination of classical music in the state of Amazonas.