A selection of the best Latin American music, combining some of the continent's most eminent classical composers with electrifying samples of popular music.
The border line dividing popular and classical music in Brazil is a fine one. Brazilians happen to be very proud of their popular music, not only for its rhythmic drive and colours but also for its harmonic richness and sophistication.
In the Sala São Paulo (the largest symphonic hall in Brazil) and under the baton of John Neschling, the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo (OSESP, Brazil's leading orchestra), plays classic tunes by the most important South American composers, including Ginastera and Villa-Lobos. The São Paulo-based Banda Mantiqueira, and the renowned singer Mônica Salmaso join the OSESP to perform such standards as Chiclete com Banana and Aquarela do Brasil. Since it was New Year's Eve, the best conclusion seemed to be the optimistic song Menina, amanhã de manhã, the lyrics proclaiming that "tomorrow morning happinnes will descend upon mankind."
Source: Irineu Franco Perpetuo/EuroArts.
