A classic of musical literature gets an adaptation that unites music, literature and dance in a staged cantata, premiering live on July 19 at Teatro Riachuelo
Literature, music and dance come together to celebrate the richness of Brazil and exalt the strength of a masterpiece. “Fernão Capelo Gaivota” (Jonathan Livingston Seagull), a classic of world literature, is an ode to the freedom of flying ever further, and this is the feeling that inspires the eponymous show that the Orquestra Ouro Preto (Ouro Preto Orchestra) and participants of the Programa Vale Música (Vale Music Program) premiere on July 19, at 8 pm, at Teatro Riachuelo, in the city center.
The powerful mix of art from different corners of the country became reality in a praised audiovisual production, which now gets live performances. A staged cantata for children’s choir, ballet and orchestra, the production breaks geographic boundaries by connecting the Minas Gerais ensemble to young artists from the Programa Vale Música, an original project of the Instituto Cultural Vale (Vale Cultural Institute).
“Fernão Capelo Gaivota,” a best-seller written by Richard Bach, tells the story of a seagull for whom flying was not simply an act of getting around. Flying is an art and, as such, must be trained, practiced and shared with others, generating great transformations. A story about freedom, learning and love, which receives the orchestrated notes in this adaptation signed by conductor Rodrigo Toffolo and which also features heavyweight names such as Tim Rescala, author of the original music, and narration led by the sweet voice of actress Nina Vogel.
For conductor Rodrigo Toffolo, it will be a unique experience to witness the diversity of Brazilian art in such an innovative project. “I always thought this is one of those books everyone should read in their life. It has a very important message about freedom, love and the beauty of believing in yourself. This project is a dream come true, showing the power of Fernão Capelo’s story through music, singing and dance. It’s a beautiful project, a source of great pride for all of us, and the sparkle in the eyes of these young musicians and dancers scattered across Brazil proves that the possibilities are, indeed, infinite. Just as the passion for flying transformed Fernão, I believe that passion for art and music can transform people,” says the conductor.
For Márcia Rolon, coordinator of the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano (South American Cultural Mill Institute) (MS), the project that gave rise to the Cia. de Dança do Pantanal (Pantanal Dance Company) and is one of the hubs of Vale Música, this work was challenging, but promises a splendid result. “This pursuit of perfection, present in Fernão Capelo Gaivota, is something we, as dancers, constantly pursue, which is why we also identify so much with this work. The music is light, gentle, joyful, childlike and at the same time very deep. It speaks of diversity and brings all the points of the book’s story in a very concrete way, it’s a musical reading.”
About the Programa Vale Música
An original project of the Instituto Cultural Vale, the Programa Vale Música is a collaborative teaching and learning network among students from musical hubs in four states – Pará, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso do Sul – and professionals from the country’s leading orchestras. In total, it involves about 250 professionals and more than 1,000 students in exchanges, classes and artistic residencies. Partners of the Programa Vale Música include the Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira (OSB) (Brazilian Symphony Orchestra), the Orquestra Ouro Preto, the Orquestra Filarmônica de Minas Gerais (Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra), the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo (Osesp) (São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra) and the Nova Orquestra (New Orchestra), sponsored through the Federal Culture Incentive Law.
ABOUT THE ORQUESTRA OURO PRETO
One of the country’s most prestigious orchestral ensembles, the Orquestra Ouro Preto marks 22 years of activity and reaffirms itself as an avant-garde orchestra. Under the direction and artistic leadership of Maestro Rodrigo Toffolo, the group is dedicated to engaging different audiences, with an extensive schedule in major concert halls in Brazil and around the world, in addition to standing out in the number of views and listeners on streaming platforms and social media. Under the signs of excellence and versatility, it also works on social and educational projects that go far beyond music, such as the Núcleo de Apoio a Bandas (Band Support Center) and the Academia Orquestra Ouro Preto. Nationally awarded, the group has 15 works recorded on CD, 7 DVDs. It won the Prêmio da Música Brasileira (Brazilian Music Award) in 2015, in the category
“Best MPB Album,” and was nominated for the 2007 Latin Grammy, as “Best Instrumental Album,” for Latinidade. The albums “Latinidade – Música para as Américas,” “Antônio Vivaldi – Concerto para Cordas,” “The Little Prince” and “Orquestra Ouro Preto e Desvio – Ritmos Brasileiros” are distributed worldwide by the Naxos label, the most important in the world dedicated to concert music.
DETAILS
Orquestra Ouro Preto and Vale Música present – Fernão Capelo Gaivota
Date: July 19, 2022, Tuesday, at 8 pm.
Venue: Teatro Riachuelo – Rua do Passeio, 38/40 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Rating: Suitable for all ages.
Tickets: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/74989/d/148749
Information: https://www.orquestraouropreto.com.br
