Levino de Alcântara

Origin

Pará, PA

Years active

1960–2014

Genres

classical music, erudita

Instruments

conductor

Biography

Levino de Alcântara was a prominent Brazilian musician, conductor, and educator, born in Pará in 1921. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to classical music education in Brasília, where he founded the Escola de Música de Brasília (EMB) in 1974. His vision was to create a space where musical instruments would replace traditional notebooks, fostering a unique learning environment. Even before the EMB's official inauguration, Alcântara was actively involved in musical education, forming a choir in a public school in Taguatinga in 1961 and participating in the Centro de Estudos Musicais Villa-Lobos.

Alcântara's dedication extended beyond establishing institutions; he was a fervent advocate for classical music, believing in its power to transform individuals. He personally planted trees on a plot of land to mark the future site of the EMB, demonstrating his commitment to the project. His pedagogical approach emphasized the importance of orchestral instruments, often requiring students to focus on them in their initial studies to foster a broader appreciation for ensemble playing. This method produced many talented musicians who went on to join orchestras across Brazil and internationally.

His legacy is cemented not only by the EMB, which continues to be a reference for musical training in Brazil, but also through the numerous students he mentored. Levino de Alcântara passed away in 2014, leaving behind a rich heritage that continues to inspire new generations of musicians. He is remembered as a key figure in the development of classical music in Brasília, alongside other notable artists like Claudio Santoro and Neusa França.