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Gilberto Gil & Cortejo Afro

Nucleo de Opera da Bahia & Orquestra Nova Lisboa

,Barbican Hall
Gilberto Gil looking blue whilst playing his guitar in blue jeans and a blue t-shirt in front of a blue background

Brazil’s iconic singer-songwriter Gilberto Gil returns with a new project – bringing the joyful, exuberant spirit of the Bahian carnival with him.

Tonight’s performance premiered at this year’s carnival, with Gil's classic songs enhanced by the rhythmic power of Cortejo Afro, the Bahian group who celebrate the African identity of carnival, Nucleo de Opera de Bahia and chamber ensemble Orquestra Nova Lisboa. All perform together in specially commissioned arrangements from musical director Aldo Brizzi (who also conducts tonight).

Gil was one of the leading lights of the provocative Tropicalia movement that swept Brazil in the late 1960s, subsequently going from one of Brazil’s biggest Pop stars to house arrest during his country’s military dictatorship. 50 years on, his charismatic stage presence and soulful vocals still recall this radical spirit. Here he promises a life-affirming celebration of music and identity.

Tagged with: Contemporary music World Music

Produced by the Barbican in association with Serious

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