Fernando Brandao, 2013 October 28
Flutist, composer, and Berklee College of Music professor Fernando Brandão discusses his early musical experiences growing up in Brazil, his studies at the New England Conservatory, his performance career, and the players and composers who serve as his inspirations. He describes Brazilian music and dance culture, and what it was like to grow up under a dictatorship. Brandão also discusses the relationship between classical, jazz, and Brazilian music, with instrument demonstrations on the flute. He shares about the classes he has taught and would like to teach; his approach to teaching, especially regarding Brazilian music; and the interplay of Berklee faculty in each other’s ensembles.
Flutist, composer, and educator Fernando Brandão (1962-) was born and raised in Brazil. He initially studied piano at the Pró-Arte school in São Paulo before turning to the flute. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and his master’s degree from New England Conservatory, where he attended from 1989-1991. Concurrently, he began his teaching career at Berklee College of Music, initially in the Performance Studies department and later the Ensemble department. Brandão is also a faculty member of the Community Music Center of Boston. He has participated in and led many ensembles over his career, including Alma, Brasileirinho, Bohemia Carioca, the Pablo Ablanedo Octet, and Trio Choro Brasil. He also authored the book Brazilian and Afro-Cuban Jazz Conception.
