CYRO BAPTISTA
CYRO BAPTISTA
Cyro Baptista, the Brazilian percussionist extraordinaire, boasts a diverse and accomplished career spanning decades of innovation and collaboration. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Baptista's journey into the world of music began early, shaped by the rich tapestry of Brazilian rhythms and musical traditions. In 1980 Baptista moved to New York City, finding himself immersed in a melting pot of musical influences and became an integral part of the vibrant music scene. Baptista has collaborated with a diverse array of musicians and artists from various genres, including jazz, rock, avant-garde, world music, and contemporary classical. His versatility has brought him to work with artists such as Trey Anastasio (from Phish), Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock, John Zorn, Laurie Anderson, Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson and many others. Cyro has released several acclaimed solo albums that highlight both his compositional talent and his innovative exploration of the sonic possibilities of percussion. His live performances consistently earn standing ovations, a testament to his captivating stage presence and musical brilliance."
With his first album “Villa-Lobos Vira Loucos”, Cyro pays homage to the legendary Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos reinventing his signature masterpieces, pushing the boundaries of tradition and avant-garde experimentation. Throughout his career, Baptista has been involved in a plethora of educational projects aimed at sharing his passion for percussion and introducing audiences to the diverse world of rhythm. Among these endeavors, Baptista's standout project, "The Sound of Community," encompasses a wide array of activities, including workshops, masterclasses, and educational shows in schools and community hubs, aiming to ignite enthusiasm and foster confidence in budding musicians of every age group. He also conducts master classes at major musical institutions, such as Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, The New School, New World Symphony Orchestra among others. In addition to his work as a performer and educator, Baptista has contributed to numerous film and television soundtracks, most recently having recorded in soundtracks for Francis Ford Coppola movies, Jonathan Demme, Robert DeNiro, Joel Schumacker and Julie Taymor. Through his innovative projects and collaborations, Cyro Baptista continues to push the boundaries of percussion and expand the possibilities of musical expression. His unwavering dedication to education and artistic exploration serves as an inspiration to musicians and audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a true pioneer in the world of rhythm and percussion.