was a prominent Brazilian composer, arranger, and conductor celebrated for his contributions to choral music and folk arrangements. Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, he studied piano locally before advancing his musical education elsewhere in Brazil. His career was marked by international acclaim as a conductor, with competition victories in Brazil, Argentina, and Italy.
Key Contributions
Choral Leadership: Directed Madrigal Ars Nova, elevating it to international recognition through tours across South America and Europe.
Folk Arrangements: Gained renown for adapting Brazilian folk melodies, notably blending Olê, Muié Rendêra and É Lampa, é Lampa, é Lampeão in his arrangement Muié Rendêra, which emphasizes rhythmic vitality and clear melodic lines.
Major Work: Composed the Missa Afro-Brasileira (1976), awarded "Best Vocal Work" by São Paulo’s critics’ association, later becoming widely performed in the U.S..
His legacy includes fostering a distinct Brazilian choral tradition, with scholarly research highlighting his role in developing a national conducting pedagogy
