Benjamim Taubkin

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1980–present

Genres

instrumental brazilian music, jazz, bossa nova, mpb

Instruments

piano

Biography

Benjamim Taubkin is a prominent Brazilian pianist, composer, arranger, and music producer born in São Paulo. Beginning his piano studies relatively late at the age of eighteen, he quickly immersed himself in the artistic scene, initially providing musical accompaniment for contemporary dance companies and theatrical productions such as Ópera do Malandro. Driven by a passion for jazz and bossa nova, he became a familiar presence in Paulistano nightclubs before releasing his critically acclaimed debut album, A Terra e o Espaço Aberto, in 1997.

Throughout his prolific career, Taubkin has collaborated with an extraordinary array of legendary Brazilian artists, including Hermeto Pascoal, Rafael Rabello, Moacir Santos, Paulo Moura, and Zizi Possi. His artistic vision extends far beyond traditional solo work; he has founded and participated in diverse ensembles such as the Orquestra Popular de Câmara, the choro group Moderna Tradição, and the jazz formation Trio + 1. His restless creative spirit has also led him to international collaborations, connecting Brazilian music with traditions from India, South Africa, and Morocco, alongside percussionists like Marcos Suzano and Simone Sou.

In addition to his performance career, Taubkin has left an indelible mark as a cultural entrepreneur, producer, and curator. In 1997, he established Núcleo Contemporâneo, an independent label and production company dedicated to instrumental Brazilian popular music, followed by the founding of Casa do Núcleo in São Paulo. He has served as a curator for major international and domestic festivals, including Europalia in Belgium and the Mercado Cultural da Bahia, further cementing his role as a vital ambassador for Brazilian musical diversity across the globe.