Sounds of Brazil: Adriano Adewale and Brighton Philharmonic

Sounds of Brazil presented a brand-new concerto by Joanna MacGregor for the Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale with the Brighton Philharmonic.

The premiere of ‘Para Adriano’ for percussion, piano and strings, composed by Joanna MacGregor, happened at the Brighton Dome on the 18th of April. Here’s what she said about the piece:

“My new piece for my friend Adriano Adewale is inspired by Adriano’s wonderful ability to evoke poetry in his playing, as well as virtuosic excitement. Adriano and I have been working together for over twenty years, and I’m always moved by his ability to create ritual and stillness, as well as joyful energy. Brazilian music, to me, is highly subtle; it often sounds happy, but as Adriano assures me, ‘the words can be tragic.’ It has natural melodiousness and optimism, but can be powerfully chromatic and dark. The work encompasses orchestral string writing, with space for Adriano’s extraordinary improvisational skills.”