Antonio Carrasqueira

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Toninho Carrasqueira, Antonio Carlos Moraes Dias Carrasqueira, Antônio Carlos Carrasqueira, Antônio Carlos Morais Dias Carrasqueira

Years active

1966

Genres

classical, popular, choro, instrumental music

Instruments

flute

Biography

Antonio Carlos Moraes Dias Carrasqueira, better known as Antonio Carrasqueira or Toninho Carrasqueira, was born in São Paulo on September 9, 1952. He is a renowned Brazilian flutist who masterfully moves between the worlds of classical and popular music. His musical training began with his father, João Dias Carrasqueira, also a flutist and composer, and was deepened with studies in Europe, where he graduated from the Conservatoire National de Versailles and the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. Carrasqueira holds a PhD in Arts from the University of São Paulo (USP), where he has also taught flute since 1986.

His career is marked by unique versatility. As a soloist, he has performed with several renowned orchestras in Brazil and abroad, such as the Heidelberg Chamber Orchestra and the Rouen Chamber Orchestra. In addition, he was a member of the acclaimed Quinteto Villa-Lobos from 1997 to 2011, with whom he recorded several albums and gave numerous performances. His discography includes recordings dedicated to great choro masters, such as Pixinguinha and Patápio Silva, demonstrating his deep appreciation for Brazilian popular music.

Antonio Carrasqueira is recognized for his refined technique and crystal-clear sound, characteristics that make him one of the most respected flutists in the country. His work ranges from the classical repertoire to contemporary and electroacoustic music, in addition to his work with choro. He has also collaborated with several artists from different aesthetic trends, such as Egberto Gismonti, Hermeto Paschoal, and Milton Nascimento, consolidating his position as a multifaceted and essential musician in the Brazilian music scene.