Sonia Ferreira

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Sonia Maria Romaguera Ferreira, Cidália Victorino de Vasconcellos, Sonia Maria Romaguera Ferreira de Albuquerque, Soninha, Sônia, Sonya

Years active

1954

Genres

mpb, samba, bossa nova

Instruments

vocals, piano

Biography

Sonia Ferreira, born June 16, 1947, is a Brazilian singer and pianist who has made significant contributions to Brazilian popular music. Her musical journey began at a young age, and by 1954, she was already studying at the Conservatório Brasileiro de Música in Rio de Janeiro. She continued her piano studies in Cataguazes, Minas Gerais, before returning to Rio de Janeiro in 1957 to resume her conservatory education until 1961. Ferreira's formal education also includes a degree from Escola Normal in 1969 and advanced studies in Functional Harmony at Musiarte in 1994.

Ferreira's career gained momentum in 1965 when she won first place in a contest at Teatro Opinião, performing "Manhã de Liberdade." That same year, she co-founded the Grupo Mensagem with other composers, which led to an invitation to perform in the show "Samba Pede Passagem." It was during this performance, accompanied by Baden Powell, that she introduced the song "Canto de Ossanha" to the public. In 1967, she was invited to join the renowned vocal group Quarteto em Cy, with whom she performed until 1969.

After a period working as a primary school teacher from 1969 to 1972, Ferreira rejoined Quarteto em Cy in 1972, remaining an integral part of the group until a brief interruption in 1993. Beyond her work with Quarteto em Cy, she has also released a solo album and worked as a music producer. Her multifaceted career showcases a deep dedication to Brazilian music, collaborating with and contributing to its rich landscape.