Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Angra dos Reis • Angra dos Reis

GRUPO AMISTAD

Latin rhythms that touch the soul

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Five friends from Coro Experimental de Angra dos Reis who fell in love with Latin American countries’ traditional music, in particular that composed by Victor Jara and Violeta Parra from the 1980s, and were inspired by the activities of the Contos y Cantos group, got together in 2004 and formed this group under the guidance of teacher and conductor Moacir Saraiva.

With the idea of creating an independent group to disclose to the new generations the strength behind this musical style that marked the struggle for democracy in a number of Latin American countries, this quintet held its first performance in 2004 named Amistad, and the name was adopted definitely by the band.

In 2005 and just before a new performance, the group disbanded but in 2008 it reappeared with new members, the only original component being Leandro. The band currently consists of 11 members who play instruments from several countries and sing a repertory of traditional South American rhythms such as zamba, zidala and chacarera from Argentina, candombe from Uruguay, cueca from Chile, huayno from Bolivia, vals from Peru, joropo from Venezuela and Colombia, and also baião, caiçara music by Luís Perequê and tupinambá songs from Brazil.

Other characteristics of the group are songs with abstract themes such as Letras (2009-2010), Gente que Veio do Mar (2010), Latinidade e América Musiva (2011-2012), Transformar (2013) and Primavera Austral (2014). Though boasting this vast repertory of their own compositions, fans continue anxious for the band’s new CDs. Performances are always disclosed in the official blog and excerpts of these may be viewed in YouTube.

Amistad is included in Mapa de Cultura do Rio de Janeiro and in May 2014, it held a performance in Parque Laje in Rio de Janeiro when it was awarded the Prêmio de Cultura do Estado, for which it was recommended as a highlight from the Costa Verde. It is certainly one of most positive propositions for the region’s cultural activity.

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