Ney Rosauro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1970

Genres

classical, brazilian popular music, jazz, choro

Instruments

marimba, vibraphone, percussion, guitar, mandolin, electric bass, piano, violin, oboe, flute, double bass, cavaquinho

Biography

Ney Rosauro is a Brazilian composer, conductor, percussionist, and pedagogue, widely recognized as one of the most significant composers for percussion in the 20th century. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he developed a unique compositional style that masterfully blends captivating melodies with infectious rhythms, drawing heavily from the rich tapestry of Brazilian folklore. His works are characterized by their vibrancy, fantasy, and profound musicality, enchanting audiences globally.

Rosauro's academic journey began at the University of Brasília, where he studied composition and conducting. His pursuit of musical excellence led him to Germany, where he earned a Master's degree in Percussion from the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg, and later to the United States, where he obtained his Doctorate from the University of Miami. Throughout his career, he has held influential positions, including Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Miami and the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, significantly shaping percussion education.

His prolific output includes over 200 compositions and method books, which have become staples in the percussion repertoire worldwide. His "Concerto No. 1 for Marimba" is particularly renowned, hailed as the most popular marimba concerto ever written and performed by thousands of orchestras. Rosauro's influence extends beyond composition; he has performed as a soloist and conductor in numerous countries, sharing his musical vision and contributing to the global appreciation of Brazilian music. His dedication to music education and performance has earned him prestigious accolades, including induction into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame and the Yamaha Legacy Award.