Assad Brothers Blend Classical and Brazilian Heritage at Emory University, Today

Legendary classical guitarists Sérgio and Odair Assad perform tonight, Nov. 10, 8 p.m., at Emory's Schwartz Center for Performing Arts. The Brazilian-born brothers-known for their guitar innovation, ingenuity, and expression-present a concert that blends classical music with their Brazilian heritage.

The first half of the program features selections from European composers, such as Fernando Sor and Jean-Philippe Rameau. Selections from Rameau's "Pièces de Clavecin" are transcribed for guitar by Sérgio Assad.

The second half of the program, titled "Journey of the Brazilian Guitar through History," presents music by seven Brazilian composers, and features classical influences, waltzes, chôros, jazz and bossa nova. The program opens with "Batuque" by Ernesto Nazareth, acknowledged as the first pillar of Brazilian music. Other highlights include "Abismo de Rosas" (Abyss of Roses) by Américo Jacomino, considered the first masterpiece composed for the guitar in Brazil; and "Manha de Carnaval" (Morning of Carnival) by Luiz Bonfá, a jazz and bossa nova piece, made famous by the 1959 film "Orfeo Negro" (Black Orpheus).

View the entire program here.

Tonight's Nov. 10 concert is part of the 2012-2013 Flora Glenn Candler Concert Series, hosting world-renowned solo artists, chamber groups, and orchestras in the Schwartz Center's Emerson Concert Hall. Event and ticket details at arts.emory.edu.

Celebrating 10 years, the Donna and Marvin Schwartz Center for Performing Arts is a place where teaching, learning, and performance merge to create a vital arts presence for the entire community.

Photo Credit: Fadi Kheir