André Protásio

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

André Protásio Pereira

Years Active

1985

Genres

MPB, choral music

Instruments

voice, guitar, piano

Biography

André Protásio is a distinguished Brazilian arranger, conductor, and musical director, born in Rio de Janeiro on March 15, 1966. His musical journey began in 1985 with studies in classical guitar, music theory, and choral singing. He further honed his skills by graduating in Choral Conducting from the Seminários de Música Pró-Arte under the guidance of maestro Carlos Alberto de Figueiredo. Protásio also holds a Master's and Doctorate in Musicology from UNIRIO, with his doctoral thesis focusing on Brazilian choral arrangement and his master's dissertation on Brazilian vocal groups.

Protásio's career is marked by a significant contribution to Brazilian music, particularly in vocal and choral arrangements. He was part of the acclaimed vocal group BR6, participating in four CDs and performing in numerous festivals across Europe. He has also directed and arranged for various choirs, including Coro da Ladeira, Coral Quarta Aumentada, and the female vocal group Às Terças. His work with the vocal group Equale has resulted in several albums, including "Equale no Expresso Gil" (2000), "Um Gosto de Sol" (2004) featuring Milton Nascimento, and "Na Praia de Caymmi" (2017), which won an award at the 29th Prêmio da Música Brasileira. In 2024, Equale released the single "Dindi" and later that year, the album "Salve, Aldir!" in homage to Aldir Blanc.

Beyond his work with vocal ensembles, Protásio has also lent his talents to theatrical productions, collaborating with directors such as Miguel Falabella and Karen Accioly as a musical director, vocal coach, and arranger. His academic contributions include teaching vocal arrangement and choral conducting, and he has published research on Brazilian choral arrangements. Protásio's dedication to the advancement of Brazilian choral music is evident in his extensive discography, arrangements, and pedagogical work.