Maria Josephina Mignone

Origin

Belém, PA

Years active

1930s–2020s

Genres

classical, choro, mpb

Instruments

piano

Biography

Maria Josephina Mignone was a distinguished Brazilian pianist, born in Belém, Pará, on March 25, 1923. Her musical journey began at a young age, sparked by her grandmother's piano, which ignited a lifelong passion for the instrument. She pursued formal studies at the Instituto Gentil Bittencourt and the Conservatório Carlos Gomes in Belém. Her exceptional talent led her to win a competition that secured a scholarship to study in Rio de Janeiro with renowned pianists Magda Tagliaferro and Arnaldo Estrella. Mignone's career as a soloist and professor was marked by her dedication to Brazilian music and the nurturing of new talent.

Her life and career became deeply intertwined with that of composer and conductor Francisco Mignone, whom she met in the 1960s and later married. Together, they formed the Duo Mignone, a celebrated piano duo that performed and recorded extensively until his passing in 1986. Maria Josephina became a principal interpreter of Francisco Mignone's vast piano repertoire, dedicating herself to preserving and promoting his musical legacy. She performed his works as a soloist with major orchestras under distinguished conductors, solidifying her role as a key figure in the dissemination of Brazilian classical music.

In her later years, Mignone continued to be an active force in the music world. She spearheaded projects to rescue and release historical recordings of Francisco Mignone's work, resulting in numerous CDs and the "Coleção Mignone." She also authored the book "Cartas de Amor," a collection of correspondence with her husband, offering intimate insights into their lives and the Brazilian music scene. Maria Josephina Mignone passed away on July 18, 2024, at the age of 101, leaving behind an indelible legacy as a virtuoso pianist, a devoted advocate for Brazilian music, and a significant contributor to the preservation of her husband's monumental work.