Choro, or chorinho ("little cry"), isa vibrant instrumental music genre that originated in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is characterized by fast tempos, virtuosity, intricate syncopation, and improvisation, often blending European salon dances (polka, waltz) with Afro-Brazilian rhythms. Considered Brazil's first popular urban music, it typically features flutes, guitars, and cavaquinho.
Rebecca Kleinmann, internationally acclaimed flutist and singer returns to the Bay Area to lead a night of Brazilian music with master musicians Zack Pitt-Smith, winds; Carlos Oliveira, guitar; Ami Molinelli Hart, percussion; and Brian Moran, cavaquinho and guitar.
Based in California until 2022, Rebecca Kleinmann has led her Quintet in various formations since 2001, touring internationally with this and other projects to Brazil, Australia, Europe, Africa and within the US. Pianist Benny Green made special note of her unique pursuit of artistic growth, explaining that “Rebecca is masterful and selfless in her ability and inclination of melding her sound with her environment.” In the words of Latin Grammy Nominated pianist and composer, Jovino Santos Neto, Rebecca plays flute with the passion of a flamenco dancer. Upon completing a June 2023 recording session in NYC, Grammy winning pianist, Taylor Eigsti said Rebecca "brought the music to life."
She began synthesizing her diverse musical interests as a flutist and vocalist at Indiana University, where she began her studies as a Classical Flute Performance major and historically graduated as the first Jazz Flute major in the history of the school’s Jazz Studies program, thanks to the support of her beloved mentor, the late David Baker. In addition, she has studied vocal performance with Fabiana Cozza and Jennifer Barnes. Her varied experiences as a vocalist include performances with the Taylor Memorial Gospel Choir and teaching vocal performance to thousands of elementary school children as an Orff-certified music educator in public schools. Both in teaching and in performances with the RKQ, Rebecca often utilizes her fluencies in Portuguese and Spanish.
In early 2022 Rebecca moved from Oakland to Durham, North Carolina and immediately began planting seeds to continue her musical career on the East Coast. She has become a professor at UNC Chapel Hill, directing the university's "Charanga Carolina" ensemble, recorded and performed with Grammy winning pianist Taylor Eigsti, and received a Chamber Music America grant to fund her next album. Come enjoy this amazing ensemble full of shining stars in the intimate setting of the Sound Room.
Tickets at Rebecca Kleinmann and Friends : an Evening of Brazilian Choro