Henrique Oswald was perhaps the most European of Brazilian composers, having spent a large part of his life in Italy; he also absorbed influences from France and Germany. Oswald’s music always retains a lyrical character with qualities of elegance and radiance, which can be heard in the Sinfonietta. The expressive Elegia, originally conceived for cello and piano, is dedicated to the memory of a friend. With its contrasts between darkness and light, coupled with undeniable beauty, the Symphony is regarded as Oswald’s finest orchestral achievement and one of the most significant works in the Brazilian orchestral literature.

The Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra was established in 2008 and has become one of the most successful cultural institutions in Brazil. Led by artistic director and principal conductor, Fabio Mechetti, it has received numerous accolades and awards, including the Grande Prêmio Concerto 2015, Prêmio Carlos Gomes de Melhor Orquestra 2012, and the Melhor Grupo Musical Erudito 2010 awarded by the Associação Paulista de Críticos de Artes.

The ensemble has made a significant contribution to The Music of Brazil series, including symphonies by Lorenzo Fernández (8574412) in an album acclaimed for its ‘intense sonic energy’ in Diapason, and for the American Record Guide ‘The playing of Brazil’s Minas Gerais Philharmonic is excellent, as are the leadership of American conductor Fabio Machetti and the recorded sound.’

Fabio Mechetti has been artistic director and principal conductor of the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra since its foundation. Under his leadership, the orchestra has received numerous awards, recorded nine albums, including several for Naxos, and undertaken a tour of South America. In 2014, he became the first Brazilian music director of an Asian orchestra when he was appointed principal conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. In the US, Mechetti conducted the Jacksonville Symphony for 14 years and is now its conductor emeritus.