Sunday, January 27, 2013

Celso Machado, Afro-Brazilian Classical Guitarist & Composer born Jan. 27, 1953; Ensemble Composition 'Folguedo' Heard at Squaw Valley in 2012

[Photo posted August 20, 2012 by AfriClassical: Performers enjoy a short break while gearing up to perform Celso Machado's guitar ensemble piece "Folguedo" at Squaw Valley Chapel, at the Sixth International Sierra Nevada Classical Guitar Festival and Competition, July 14, 2012.  Courtesy Samantha Wells]

Celso Machado (b. 1953)


Celso Machado is an Afro-Brazilian composer, guitarist, lyricist and singer who was born in Ribeiro Preto, Brazil on January 27, 1953. British Columbia, Canada is now his home base. He is profiled at AfriClassical.com and has a website of his own, http://www.CelsoMachado.com A seemingly endless stream of global performances is chronicled by the calendar at his website. 

The works he writes and performs are played by guitarists in both classical and world music genres. At age seven Celso began performing in street bands. He first performed in Canada in 1986; he moved there three years later. His many CDs consist of music composed by himself and others. Machado has composed sound tracks for several documentary films. His score for the film In the Company of Fear won a Leo Award in 2000 in Canada. Publication of Machado's sheet music has resulted in many performances by other guitarists. The French firm Éditions Henry Lemoine has published a volume of his music whose title translates to Brazilian Popular Music for Flute and Guitar. A forthcoming volume will be called Brazilian Music With Baroque Inspiration.

Celso Machado was interviewed by AfriClassical in May, 2010. One of the ideas he expressed was his attraction to elements of the Baroque style, which he combines with Brazilian influences in his compositions. Reviewers often remark on Celso's use of percussion in performances. NoBlackTieJazz was quoted as saying “Celso demonstrates percussion music using himself as an instrument.”

Whether guitar gatherings focus on Classical Music, World Music or Folk Music, Celso Machado is frequently at the center of attention.  In addition to performing  on and writing for his instrument, Celso Machado conducts performances of his compositions by groups of guitarists.  For example, he conducted his guitar ensemble piece "Folguedo" at Squaw Valley, the venue of the "Sixth International Sierra Nevada Classical Guitar Festival and Competition," July 14, 2012.

SouthEverettBeacon.com reported on Jan. 22, 2013: The Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) presents “International Guitar Night” on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the ECA, 410 Fourth Avenue North, Edmonds. 

The article continued: This year IGN’s 12th North American tour features Martin Taylor, Solorazaf, Celso Machado, and Brian Gore.  “Do yourself a favour – take advantage of this rare opportunity to witness sheer acoustic guitar virtuosity as it was meant to be enjoyed,” Eric Thom, of Roots Music Canada said. “Chances are you’ll be forever moved by the scale of this truly International experience.”

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