Arcomusical Brasil

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Years Active

2016

Genres

instrumental music, brazilian popular music, experimental

Instruments

berimbau

Biography

Arcomusical Brasil is a berimbau sextet based in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, which stands out for exploring the sonic and harmonic potential of this ancient instrument. The group was born in 2016, stemming from a collaboration between Gregory Beyer and students and alumni of the UFMG Percussion Group, consolidating itself after a remarkable experience at the international Bow Music Conference in South Africa. Arcomusical Brasil's artistic proposal is to value the berimbau, respecting its origin and history of resistance, while inserting it into the contexts of instrumental concert music and popular music.

The group's repertoire is composed of original works, many of them created by the members themselves, who seek to expand the possibilities of the berimbau by dialoguing with various musical genres. Arcomusical Brasil has performed on important stages and cultural institutions in Brazil, such as the UFMG Conservatory and School of Music, as well as federal universities in São João del Rei and Ouro Preto. The project also develops collaborations with other artists and composers, aiming to create new musical languages and broaden the sonic universe of the berimbau.

The group is a representative of Arcomusical, a non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating musical bow culture through passionate performances and creative works. The initiative seeks to connect the tradition of the berimbau, intrinsically linked to capoeira and the history of Afro-Brazilian resistance, with innovation and contemporary musical research. Gregory Beyer, founder of Arcomusical, is a scholar of the instrument and has been fundamental in expanding its use in chamber and concert contexts, inspiring musicians such as the members of Arcomusical Brasil.

Discography

• Semente (2021)