Brazilian Flags

With the conductor dancing on the podium to swirling Latin rhythms and big band sounds, the two Brazilian encores of the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra infectiously set alight the enthusiastic filled-to-the-brim audience at the Royal Albert Hall with pulsating Latin-American energy, the climax of their outstanding Proms debut concert on 15 August 2012. Ingeniously timed to chime in with the passing of the Olympics baton to Brazil for 2016, the SPSO's unique appearance attracted a packed house to enjoy the electrifying charisma of their recently appointed Principal Conductor Marin Alsop, as well as the virtuosity of Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire in music by that country's most illustrious 20th century composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos.

From the very start the SPSO displayed their compelling qualities in a fresh and formidable account of Dvorák's 'New World' Symphony that penetrated to the heart of the piece. The visceral energy of the string section, the bold brass articulation and well blended woodwind brought out the motivic narrative of the work with drama and poetry...