CSOradio
CSOtv
CSOradio
Brazilian pianist-vocalist Eliane Elias mesmerized the audience with her seamless blend of straight-ahead jazz, samba and bossa nova in her SCP Jazz concert May 9 at Orchestra Hall.
Photography by Todd Rosenberg
What an unforgettable night at Symphony Center: the SCP Jazz concert on May 9, in which South America’s finest talents lit up the stage with passion, rhythm and samba!
The evening’s headliner, Grammy-winning pianist, singer and Brazilian icon Eliane Elias, was sheer brilliance. Described by Icon magazine as someone who “sings like an angel, plays like the devil,” Elias mesmerized us all with her seamless blend of straight-ahead jazz, samba and bossa nova. Every note sparkled with elegance, her voice smooth and hypnotic, perfectly complemented by a masterful Brazilian guitarist and a drummer who had just flown in from Brazil — bringing pure authenticity and heat to the performance.
The magic didn’t stop there. Before Eliane Elias, Colombian-born jazz harpist Edmar Castañeda took us on a breathtaking journey through his original compositions and timeless Colombian classics from his album “Family” (2021), a Latin Grammy nominee for best Latin jazz album.
His harp was alive — delicate yet powerful — and the chemistry onstage was palpable as he was joined by a phenomenal Venezuelan drummer and his wife, a stunning Colombian vocalist. Together, they wove an enchanting tapestry of rhythm, melody and heartfelt emotion.
It was more than a concert; it was a true celebration of South American artistry and culture at its finest.
After the concert, while unwinding at a local bar with friends, we happened to run into Edmar Castañeda and his wife as they were finishing dinner — what a thrill to chat with them and personally commend them on their incredible talent and artistry. A night I won’t forget!
That’s the magic of Symphony Center: a place where world-class talent across genres comes to life right before your eyes. Are you joining the CSO Latino Alliance for its next and final concert of the Nuestras Noches series on June 12? Riccardo Muti & Esteban Batallán will be featured — and you’ll have the chance to meet Esteban, the CSO’s principal trumpet in person at our postconcert reception. Don’t miss it!
Colombian-born jazz harpist Edmar Castañeda took the audience on a breathtaking journey through his original compositions and timeless Colombian classics from his album “Family” (2021).
Photography by Todd Rosenberg
