On Saturday, the Heloísa Fernandes Piano Quartet will take the stage at Prior-Jollek Hall on the Antilles School campus, bringing an unforgettable evening of music that blends the elegance of classical composition with the rhythmic vitality of Brazil and the free-spirited energy of jazz.
The performance, part of The Forum’s ongoing concert series, will feature renowned Brazilian pianist and composer Heloísa Fernandes alongside Toninho Carrasqueira (flute), Sidiel Vieira (bass), and Ari Colares (percussion). The quartet will present a program inspired by the Amazon rainforest, offering a musical journey through Fernandes’ experiences and reflections on the region’s natural beauty and ecological significance.
A Tribute to the Amazon Through Music
At the heart of the evening’s performance is Fernandes’ latest work, Sonho das Águas (Dream of the Waters), a suite of compositions that pays tribute to the Amazon River and its surrounding landscapes.
“The story we are telling with this quartet is both a reflection and a call to the world about the importance of the Amazon as a source of life and the need for its preservation,” Fernandes said. “Through music, we hope to awaken people’s senses to the urgency of protecting this vital ecosystem.”
Fernandes’ compositions – some still awaiting titles – capture the depth of her personal connection to the Amazon. Among the pieces to be performed are Oferenda ao Rio Amazonas (Offering to the Amazon River), Depois da Chuva (After the Rain), Lago do Amanã (Lake Amanã), Tempo dos Sonhos (Time of Dreams), and Silêncio nos Olhos (Silence in the Eyes). The music, she says, was shaped by a dream in which she felt herself immersed in the river’s rushing waters, fully experiencing its movement, temperature, and surroundings.
A World-Class Ensemble
Joining Fernandes is flutist Toninho Carrasqueira, a celebrated musician whose work bridges Brazil’s classical and popular traditions. A longtime professor at the University of Sao Paulo, Carrasqueira has influenced generations of musicians and has performed as a soloist worldwide. He was a key member of Quinteto Villa-Lobos, one of Brazil’s most acclaimed chamber ensembles, and has recorded numerous award-winning albums.
Bassist Sidiel Vieira and percussionist Ari Colares round out the ensemble, adding rhythmic texture and depth to Fernandes’ compositions. Their collective artistry promises an evening of music that is both technically masterful and emotionally powerful.
More Than a Concert – An Experience
Beyond the performance, the event will offer audience members an opportunity to engage with the musicians in a Q&A session, gaining insight into their creative process and the inspirations behind their work.
The Heloísa Fernandes Quartet is known for its ability to transcend musical boundaries, blending literature, poetry, nature, jazz, and classical traditions into a singular artistic expression, said Forum Executive Director Nicole Parson. “Their music is at once intimate and expansive, rooted in Brazilian heritage while pushing the boundaries of improvisation and contemporary composition,” she noted.
The concert is part of a broader Forum concert series celebrating diverse musical traditions, featuring performances that range from chamber music to jazz fusion. Future concerts in the series include performances by acclaimed Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca and the celebrated McGill/McHale Trio.
The engagement of the Heloísa Fernandes Quartet is made possible through the Iber Exchange program of Mid Atlantic Arts, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Ibermúsicas.
Tickets for the Heloísa Fernandes Quartet concert are available now. For more information and ticket details, click here.
