Hands dancing over the strings of a violin and the keys of a piano transformed Sunday morning at Neojiba headquarters into a classical music spectacle. And the best? For free. To show that style can be democratic, the company put the concert “Music for the Soul” as an attraction of the project “Every Sunday in the park” this Sunday (28).
The presentation was a violin and piano duet, commanded by the maestro, director of Neojiba and pianist Ricardo Castro, and by the French violinist David Grimal. All 140 chairs in the Neojiba Room, at the company’s headquarters, located in Parque do Queimado, in Liberdade, were occupied. People in the audience watched the show quietly, almost motionless, admiring every musical note.
The serenity dissipated only in the brief intervals between one piece and another. The clapping was loud and almost always stomped. The repertoire included works by Beethoven, Bach, Arvo Part and other great composers. Among the songs, Beethoven’s Sonata in G Major No. 10, for piano and violin, stood out for the story told by Ricardo.
Before presenting it, the maestro revealed to the public that he learned to play it late. Given the cry of “Bravo!” that came from the audience when it came to an end, it is possible to say that he learned at the right time and with flying colors. It was one of the high points for doctor Gabriella Pita, 26 years old. She also plays the piano and already has Parque do Queimado as a mandatory stop on Sundays. “My mother always encouraged me to play, so it was really good, even more special,” she said.
When it seemed that the show had already come to an end, Ricardo and Grimal returned to the stage announcing that the singer from Minas Gerais Flávio Venturini was in the audience. While he thought he would just say a word, Ricardo invited him to sing. The result was a voice and piano performance of the song “Nascente”, which stirred the audience. Despite being a surprise attraction, Ricardo said he had been waiting for that moment for a long time.
| Presentation by Flávio Venturini was a surprise for the public (Photo: ascom/ Neojiba) |
“I’ve wanted to meet him since I was a teenager because I love his work. When people found out that we were in Salvador at the same time, [juntaram e] It worked out that we met yesterday. I asked what spring key he sang in and I saved it so I already knew how to play. He said he was coming to the concert, but I didn’t say anything, so he wouldn’t come worried. So much so that he was wearing shorts and it was a great emotion, ”he said.
For Venturini, the invitation was an honor and has much to bear fruit. “I did not expect. I met the maestro yesterday and we are already talking to, who knows, maybe do something together. In Neojiba’s orchestra or in another of his works. I was delighted to discover the project. This is a magical space, with incredible sound. We sang spring and it was beautiful. Thank you for everyone’s love.”
The space was packed, but a crowd continued to arrive at Neojiba throughout the morning. Therefore, the artists decided to open an extra session. Around 12:30 pm, the lights went out again and a new show began. So as not to leave anyone unsurprised, Ricardo and Grimal sang a piece that was not in the first hour repertoire, Bach’s Fourth Sonata.
For the Secretary of Culture of Bahia, Bruno Monteiro, who accompanied the presentation, the name chosen to baptize the concert could not have been anything other than “Música para Alma”. Classical music is for everyone. A rich country is not one that thinks of people only for the economic bias, of money. But a country that does not waste its talents. The neojiba values them. It is very charming and, as secretary of culture, we want to be together to strengthen this project”, she said.
The “Every Sunday in the Park” project has been running since 2022 and promotes free performances every Sunday. Of these, one is aimed at children. In his second time in Bahia, because of Neojiba, Grimal describes his participation in the company as incomparable.
“Neojiba is special, it’s unique in the world for me. It’s a very special place. These kids come from very difficult lives. And when we touch, a space of love is created. This is something that does not exist in ordinary orchestras”, he highlighted. On Saturday, Grimal also performed with the Neojiba Orchestra, at São Francisco Church, in Pelourinho.
*With guidance from the deputy chief of reporting Monique Lôbo.
Upcoming presentations
June 4 – Recital Tales of the Amazon Rainforest,
Time: 10 am and 11:10 am (two sessions)
Free entrance
June 11th – Recital Immersion to Mother Earth
Time: 10 am and 11:10 am (two sessions)
Free entrance
Reservation of tickets by sympla or in person arriving one hour before the beginning of the presentation
*With guidance from the deputy chief of reporting Monique Lôbo
