Carlos Alberto Pinto Fonseca (Belo Horizonte, 1933-2006) composed a significant number of choral works in which he introduced elements of the Afro-Brazilian religions called Candomblé and Umbanda. His works were mainly performed by Coral Ars Nova, under Pinto Fonseca’s conduction, in a random fashion, and some of them were also presented by other choirs in different continents. In the last decade, the Coral Mediterráneo (Mediterranean Choir) from Argentina interprets these works altogether, trying to strengthen the composer’s aesthetic objective with a careful staging. Therefore, we try to present this collection of works highlightingtheir value for choral music in terms of compositional contributions. Moreover, we aim at showing, through musical scores, recordings, and videos, the interpretative and scenic proposal developed in a country which is not the country of origin of the pieces.

BIO

Cristina Gallo is a Professor of Coral Practice and Coral Conducting at National University of Villa Maria since 1997. She has been conducting the "Nonino" Choir of the UNVM since its formation in September 1998, an organization that develops its artistic activity by offering integral shows in Villa Maria and in the region, as well as by participating in meetings and festivals in various provinces and abroad. The Choir has obtained awards in diverse popular music events. In May 2009 she created the Mediterranean Choir, a group dedicated especially to contemporary Argentine and Latin American choral music, with an emphasis on the works for mixed choir to cappella with Afro-Brazilian themes by the composer Carlos Alberto Pinto Fonseca. This endeavour includes Concert tours in 2012 and 2013 around the State of Minas Gerais, several recordings, and a constant contact and work with the Pinto Fonseca Cultural Institute. As a researcher, she is currently developing the project called "Integrated vocal performance in a multicultural musical context. Artistic and didactic projections of the UNVM model”.She is a founding member of the Association of Choral Directors of the Argentine Republic, ADICORA, and has served as a member of the Boards of Directors at national and provincial levels between 2005 and 2017. She also carries out her professional activity as a jury in competitions of choir directors in various institutions, and teaches choral conducting and choral music courses in Brazil and Argentina. She has a Master’s Degree in Interpretation of Latin American Music of the 20th Century granted by the National University of Cuyo, of the province of Mendoza, Argentina