Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Brazil as we bring to life the musical genius of GRAMMY-award winning Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger Sergio Assad (b. 1953). Renowned for his captivating duo performances with his brother Odair Assad and frequent collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma and other luminaries, Assad stands as one of today’s most prolific composers for the guitar. The program presents Assad’s music alongside that of his Brazilian forebears, Antonio Carlos Gomes and Heitor Villa-Lobos, as well as his European influences, Chopin and Maurice Ravel. Bay Area guitarist—and friend of Assad’s—Marc Teicholz makes his Festival debut for this Brazilian panorama.

PROGRAM

Sérgio Assad – Suite Brasileira No. 4 | I. Cateretê

Maurice Ravel – Gaspard de la nuit, M.55 | I. Ondine. Lent

Heitor Villa-Lobos – Selections from Canções típicas brasileiras, W158 (1919-35); Epigramas ironicos e sentimentais, W183 (1921-23)

Modinhas e canções, W441, 563 (1943)

Antônio Carlos Gomes – Sonata for Strings in D Major (1894) | IV. Vivace, “O Burrico de Pau” (The Wooden Donkey)

Assad/Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin – Chopin Preludes Op. 28 and Assad Preludios Chopinianos | selections

INTERMISSION

Assad/Chopin – 4 Capriccios for Guitar and String Quartet | selections

Ravel – Trio in A minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, M.67 (1914)

ARTISTS

Violin: Rachell Ellen Wong, Anna Presler, Juliette Greer, Keir GoGwilt, violin app