Canadian Flute Delight on a Warm Brazilian Night

Guests of the Canadian Embassy in Brazil flocked to the Official Residence on January 24 to listen in delight to flautist Michel Bellavance. The audience's enthusiasm for the event, hosted by Ambassador Rishchynski to celebrate the New Year, was matched only by the warmth of the Brazilian night. More than 120 select guests attended the concert. Among them were the President of the Central Bank, Henrique Meirelles, members of the Brazilian Congress, high-level officials from various federal ministries, numerous Ambassadors and diplomats, as well as representatives of Brasilia's business, academic and cultural communities.

During the program, the modern and thrilling Oiseau Blessé (Wounded Bird), from Canadian composer Denis Goujon, provided a contrast to the more classical and sober concert opening. Later, Mr. Bellavance paid tribute to Brazilian composers with works by Peixe-Guerra and Doppler. Brazilian flautist Ariadne Paixao joined Bellavance for Doppler's Duettino, in a grand finale that offered spectators a vibrant image of Canadian-Brazilian friendship. Belgian pianist Pierre Feraux, who was in Brazil for the Summer Festival of Brasilia along with Bellavance, provided piano accompaniment.

Internationally renowned and appreciated, Michel Bellavance has recorded four albums and performed on several radio broadcasts for the CBC, Radio Suisse Romande, and National Public Radio (USA). A grant recipient of the Canada Arts Council, he has studied in Paris, Geneva, Zürich and San Francisco. In addition to his activities as a performer, Michel Bellavance is Professor of flute for advanced classes at the Neuchâtelois Conservatoire (Switzerland). The Canadian Embassy in Brazil is proud to invite you to attend a virtual presentation of Michel Bellavance's concert, and witness this remarkable example of Canada's musical excellence, on Internet television Painel Brasil: www.painelbrasil.tv/canada.

From left to right: Belgian pianist Pierre Feraux, Brazilian flautist Ariadne Paixão and Canadian flautist Michel Bellavance.