Almeida Prado

José Antônio Rezende de Almeida Prado, affectionately known as Almeida Prado, was a towering figure in Brazilian classical music, celebrated as both a prolific composer and a virtuoso pianist. Born in Santos, São Paulo, in 1943, Prado's musical journey began early, studying piano with Dinora de Carvalho in São Paulo and later honing his composition skills with Osvaldo. His international influence deepened under the tutelage of renowned figures like Boulanger and Messiaen in Paris. Prado's work is a testament to his extraordinary talent, blending nationalism with European sophistication. His vast collection of 18 Cartas Celestes is a testament to his creative genius, with the final pieces completed just months before his passing in 2010. Prado's legacy endures, captivating audiences with his rich, evocative compositions that continue to define Brazilian classical music.