Brazilian choro group Choronas releases “Alma Feminina,” reclaiming the names of women composers erased from music history — and throwing a free concert to celebrate.
Three decades into their career, Choronas — Brazil’s pioneering all-female choro ensemble — are releasing their seventh album, “Alma Feminina” (Feminine Soul). The project is both an artistic statement and a political act: it brings forward original compositions by the group’s own instrumentalists, new works by contemporary female composers, and reimagined classics whose female authors have long been overlooked or credited only to their male performers.
The album drops on all digital platforms on Sunday, March 22, the same day as the launch concert in São Paulo. Pre-save is available at http://tratore.ffm.to/choronasalmafeminina
Ten tracks, four genres, one powerful statement
The album spans ten tracks across choro, samba, baião, and maxixe. The group features Ana Claudia Cesar (cavaquinho), Paola Picherzky (seven-string guitar), Miriam Cápua (percussion), and Cibele Palópoli (flute), with musical direction by Rosana Bergamasco — who also co-wrote two tracks — and executive production by Claryssa Pádua.
Original compositions include “Tempo ao Tempo” and “Sorrisinho” by Ana Claudia, and “Ladeira de Padarias” by Cibele. From the new generation, Rosana Bergamasco contributes “Setembro,” while Vanessa Borhagian — based in Spain — brings “Conta d’água.”
The single born in the mountains
Lead single “Luminar” was co-written by Ana Claudia and Rosana Bergamasco during retreats at a holistic refuge in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains in São Paulo state — a place both women have visited for 20 years and describe as transformative, personally and professionally.
Giving credit where it’s long overdue
Among the album’s most meaningful choices is restoring the authorship of songs whose female composers were historically sidelined. “Eu Só Quero um Xodó” was written by Anastácia (with Dominguinhos); “Chiclete com Banana” by Almira Castilho and Gordurinha; “Feira de Mangaio” by Glorinha Gadelha and Sivuca; and “Acreditar” by Ivone Lara and Délcio Carvalho.
“‘Alma Feminina’ is also a political gesture, not just an artistic and cultural one. A step forward in the long march toward gender equality in music, toward recognizing Brazilian women composers, and toward the active presence of women in choro. An invitation to listen, feel, and recognize the feminine soul that pulses through the history of Brazilian music.” — Ana Claudia Cesar, cavaquinho player of Choronas
Three decades of breaking through
Building a career in choro — a genre with deep roots in nineteenth-century Rio de Janeiro and a historically male-dominated scene — has never been easy. “Choro is challenging music. It’s not simple to play; it requires study, research, and a deep dive into the past for a more intense connection. We faced enormous resistance over these 30 years, but we broke through and claimed our space. I’m incredibly proud of our journey and legacy — I only regret that we are still one of the very few all-female choro groups in the country,” says Ana Cláudia.
Show lineup spans new album and Brazilian classics
The “Choronas 30 Anos – Alma Feminina” concert also pays tribute to Chiquinha Gonzaga and Ivone Lara, alongside beloved classics: “Tico-Tico no Fubá” (Zequinha de Abreu), “Trem das Onze” and “Samba do Arnesto” (Adoniran Barbosa), “Cochichando” (Pixinguinha), “Santa Morena” (Jacob do Bandolim), “Eu Quero é Sossego” (K-Ximbinho), and “Brasileirinho” (Waldir Azevedo).
Following the CCSP launch, upcoming shows include Sesc Casa Verde on March 27 (5 PM, free); Ribeirão Pires on April 18; Sesc Franca on April 26; and Fundação das Artes de São Caetano do Sul on April 29. All performances are free of charge.
The project is supported by PNAB (Brazil’s National Aldir Blanc Culture Fund), ProAC from the São Paulo State Secretariat for Culture, Creative Economy and Creative Industries, the Ministry of Culture, and the Federal Government of Brazil.
Event Info
Album launch concert — Choronas: Alma Feminina
Date: Sunday, March 22, at 8 PM
Venue: CCSP (Centro Cultural São Paulo) — Sala Adoniran Barbosa — Rua Vergueiro, 1000, Liberdade, São Paulo
Accessibility: Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) interpreter and accessibility agent on site
Capacity: 400 seats
Free admission — tickets available from 2 PM on Saturday, March 21, at physical and online box offices: https://centrocultural.sp.gov.br/choronas-30-anos-alma-feminina/
Sesc Casa Verde Concert
Date: Friday, March 27, at 5 PM
Venue: Sesc Casa Verde — Área de Convivência — Avenida Casa Verde, 327, Jardim São Bento, São Paulo
Free admission
Photo: Gal Oppido
Gostou do nosso conteúdo?
Seu apoio faz toda a diferença para continuarmos produzindo material de qualidade! Se você apreciou o post, deixe seu comentário, compartilhe com seus amigos. Sua ajuda é fundamental para que possamos seguir em frente! 😊