Breezy Sounds Of Bossa Nova Reverberate In ISC Concert

Michael Davis conducts the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir – Courtesy of Amanda Renzulli Photography. Used with permission.

I have had an enduring affection for all things Brazilian ever since I first viewed the classic 1959 film “Black Orpheus” which I first saw when I was a college student. Shortly after, I discovered “Getz/Giberto,” a 1964 album by American saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto, featuring pianist and composer Antônio Carlos Jobim. From that moment on, I have been drawn to the exotic music, culture, and art of Brazil.  Consequently, when Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Managing Director Kara Stolle reached out to invite me to attend, I accepted without hesitation and am thankful I did. I am still savoring the memory of the harmonious concert titled “Mood Indigo, The Bossa Nova Edition,” held Saturday at the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts on the campus of Butler University.

Bruno Sandes & the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir – Courtesy of Amanda Renzulli Photography. Used with permission.

Led by conductor Dr. Eric Stark, ISC artistic director, the concert featured guest artists, baritone opera singer Bruno Sandes, and guitarist Daniel Duarte. An added attraction was a quartet of top tier musicians consisting of pianist Amanda Hopson, percussionists John Cabriel and Terry Mayhue and bassist Jesse Whittman.

The program, which effectively highlighted the exceptional talents of the ISC singers as well as the vitality of choral music in general, included classics from the Bossa nova repertory, Great American Songbook selections and several pop songs. Concert highpoints during Act 1 were “Estrela É a lua nova: by Villa Lobos, “Meditação,” by Jobim, “Só Danço Samba” by Jobim and “Flor de Lis,” by Djavan.   Brazilian born performers Sandes, an IU Jacobs School of Music doctoral student and Duarte, faculty member at the same renowned institution, together performed “Água de Beber by” Jobim. The combination of Sandes, whose vocal power and range is formidable and Duarte whose virtuosity is undeniable, was potent.

Act II opened with a beautifully haunting ballad, “Luiza” performed wondrously by ISO chorus member, Yuri Rodriguez, who soloed with Duarte on guitar.  Projecting an expansive stage personality, the gregarious Sandes, along with Duarte, sang a medley of Great American Songbook tunes that included “Moon River Can’t Take My Eyes off You,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Strangers in the Night” and others. Recalling performances of irrepressible film star and entertainer Carmen Miranda, was an instrumental treatment of the lively “Brasileirinho,” by Waldir Azevedo, featuring Sandes, Duarte, percussion, double bass, and piano. Showing off his own affable stage persona was ISC Associate Artistic Director Michael Davis who led the choir in hits from the 60’s that consisted of “Build Me Up,” Brown Eyed Girl,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and “Happy Together.”

Eric Stark & the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir – Courtesy of Amanda Renzulli Photography. Used with permission.

My favorite part of the concert was the last grouping of songs led by Stark with Sandes and Duarte. The final set included “Samba de Uma Nota Só/One Note Samba,” by Jobim, “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars/Corcovado,” by Jobim, and “Girl from Ipanema, by Jobim.”

Stark could not have chosen a more fitting encore that “Brazil/Aquarela do Brasil,” one of Brazil’s most famous songs, written in 1939 by Ary Barroso. Near its conclusion, costumed Samba dancer Ana Lucia Cavalcante came onstage to add a bit of Carnival atmosphere to the concert. I could not help but wish that the concert crowd formed a Conga line to snake from the house and up onto the stage, a usual feature in Pink Martini concerts. Still, many present appeared to be moving to the hypnotic beat of the music, while standing in place.

Upon exiting the Schrott, I noticed many smiles on the faces of those who had just experienced the joyous feeling evoked while listening to infectious Brazilian music, which reflects an easygoing attitude and relaxed, carefree way of life. The concert was a transportive escape from a cold Indiana night to the sunny, warm climes of our neighbor to the South. It was an evening of music I will long remember for its charm and allure.

For tickets and information about the 2023-2024 Indianapolis Symphonic Choir season visit indychoir.org.