Alaíde Costa opens the Série Amarela at Cultura Artística with a special show alongside José Miguel Wisnik

At 88, Alaíde Costa goes on proving that her legacy in Brazilian music remains alive and pulsing. On 13 March, the iconic singer and songwriter takes the stage at Cultura Artística, in São Paulo, to present O Anel: Alaíde Costa canta José Miguel Wisnik, a project that celebrates a friendship and musical partnership of more than five decades. Accompanied by Wisnik himself at the piano and by a team of gifted instrumentalists, Alaíde will take the audience on a journey between past and present through the landmark songs of her career

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The relationship between Alaíde and Wisnik began in 1968, when the composer chose her to sing Outra Viagem at the TV Tupi University Popular Music Festival. More than half a century later, the connection between the two produced the album O Anel, released in 2020, which now takes live form on the São Paulo stage. The performance will feature Sidiel Vieira (double bass), Sérgio Reze (drums) and Nailor Proveta (clarinet and sax), alongside Wisnik at the piano and on vocals.

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Behind a great voice

Born in Rio to a humble family, Alaíde Costa began her professional career in her teens, singing on radio programmes. Her soft voice and refined interpretation made her an essential figure in Bossa Nova, the movement that revolutionised Brazilian music. Yet contrary to what was expected of a Black singer at the time, Alaíde chose a sophisticated repertoire, with complex harmonies and elaborate melodies. As the researcher Helen Gallo notes, "what was expected of her was the time of samba, but the artist pursued her own time".

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Alaíde followed an independent and inventive path, collaborating with major names of Brazilian music such as Baden Powell, Johnny Alf, Milton Nascimento and Chico Buarque. In 2022 her talent was recognised once again with the Prêmio da Música Brasileira for the album O que meus calos dizem sobre mim.

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A cast of weight

The concert O Anel will also feature a team of renowned musicians. José Miguel Wisnik, Alaíde's long-time partner, is one of the most respected Brazilian composers and essayists, known for moving between music and literature. Sidiel Vieira, a leading double bassist on the São Paulo jazz scene, has worked with Roberto Menescal, João Bosco and Ed Motta. The drummer Sérgio Reze, with more than 30 years of experience, has worked with Chico Buarque, Elza Soares and Ney Matogrosso. Completing the group, Nailor Proveta, clarinettist and saxophonist, founder of Banda Mantiqueira and a reference in Brazilian instrumental music.

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Details

Alaíde Costa and José Miguel Wisnik - O Anel: Alaíde Costa canta José Miguel Wisnik

Date: 13 March, 8pm

Venue: Cultura Artística (R. Nestor Pestana, 196, São Paulo - SP)Tickets: from R$42 (full price), at culturaartistica.org

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