Laércio de Freitas

Origin

Campinas, SP

Also known as

Laercio Freitas

Years active

1957–2024

Genres

choro, samba, instrumental music, mpb

Instruments

piano, keyboard

Biography

Laércio de Freitas was born in Campinas in 1941 and built a solid and multifaceted career as a Brazilian pianist, keyboardist, conductor, composer, and actor. He studied at the Carlos Gomes Conservatory, beginning an expressive international career starting in 1966 and joining prominent groups such as Tamba 4 in the late 1960s. Upon returning to Brazil, he became notable both for his original production and for his work as a reference arranger and instrumentalist alongside major names in national music.

His recorded work includes striking albums such as "Laércio de Freitas e o som roceiro" and "São Paulo no Balanço do Choro", in addition to tributes to masters like Jacob do Bandolim. Throughout his career, he collaborated with renowned artists such as Maria Bethânia, Clara Nunes, Ivan Lins, João Donato, and his daughter, singer and actress Thalma de Freitas. He also joined important formations like the Orquestra Tabajara and the Radamés Gnatalli Sextet, solidifying himself as one of the central figures in the articulation between choro, samba, and Brazilian instrumental music.

In addition to music, Laércio de Freitas stood out in the performing and audiovisual arts, acting in Brazilian television soap operas and winning the best soundtrack award at the Gramado Film Festival. The musician passed away in São Paulo in July 2024, leaving a lasting legacy in the country's culture.