MUSYCA Choirs Tour Brazil and Argentina
- MUSYCA
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 29
High Notes Across South America
(Photo credit: Gus Ruelas)
This summer, MUSYCA Choirs took their music across the Southern Hemisphere on a thrilling international concert tour of Brazil and Argentina. Over the course of two unforgettable weeks, our singers performed in stunning venues, explored world-famous landmarks, and immersed themselves in the vibrant cultures of South America. What began as a musical journey became a profound cultural exchange, full of discovery and harmony.
🇧🇷 Brazil: Rhythms of Rio
Our journey began in Rio de Janeiro, a city defined by its breathtaking landscapes, spirited music, and joyful heart. From mountaintops to beachfronts, every corner of Rio pulsed with energy and beauty—and our singers soaked it all in.
Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado
We traveled to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to stand before the towering Christ the Redeemer statue—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This iconic monument rises nearly 100 feet above the peak and offered sweeping views of the city, mountains, and sea. It was a humbling and awe-inspiring start to our journey.
Colégio de São Bento Performance and Exchange
We had the distinct honor of performing at Colégio de São Bento, a prestigious Benedictine school founded in 1858 and renowned for its academic excellence and architectural splendor. Among its distinguished alumni is legendary Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. Our choir performed for an attentive and enthusiastic audience of students and faculty in the school’s historic hall. Following the concert, we enjoyed a lively Q&A session with the students—sharing insights about our musical training and learning about their educational and cultural experiences.
Rio Sights: Sugarloaf, Ipanema, and Copacabana
Our time in Rio was rich with sightseeing, as we...
Rode a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, taking in panoramic views of Rio and its iconic bay.
Visited the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, enjoying their sun-drenched shores and vibrant boardwalks.
Took a boat tour of Guanabara Bay, where we marveled at views of Rio’s skyline and the coastal city of Niterói.
Samba and Carnaval at Grande Rio
One of the most unique cultural experiences of the tour was our visit to Grande Rio, one of the city’s premier Samba Schools. We explored elaborate Carnaval floats, tried on dazzling costumes, and learned the rhythms and choreography of Brazil’s most famous cultural celebration. Our students had a blast trying their hand at samba moves—and gained a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication behind Carnaval.
A Glorious Concert at Igreja Nossa Senhora do Bonsucesso
We also performed at the beautiful Igreja Nossa Senhora do Bonsucesso, one of Rio’s oldest churches. In this sacred space, our singers delivered a deeply moving performance that resonated with both spiritual and musical depth. The audience responded with heartfelt applause and a long standing ovation, a truly memorable highlight of our time in Brazil.
🇦🇷 Argentina: Passion and Performance in Buenos Aires
From the lush coastlines of Brazil, we journeyed to the elegant avenues of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s dynamic capital—a city of grand architecture, expressive art, and soulful tango.
Cultural Exploration
Buenos Aires welcomed us with open arms and endless charm. Among our cultural highlights:
A peaceful boat tour through Tigre, where we floated along canals lined with colorful houses and serene nature—a relaxing escape from the city’s bustle.
An unforgettable tango performance El Viejo Almacén, where we witnessed the passion and precision of Argentina’s most iconic dance form. From the dramatic music to the intricate choreography, the performance left a lasting impression on everyone.
Strolls through Buenos Aires’ historic districts and grand boulevards, including visits to Avenida 9 de Julio, the Obelisco, Casa Rosada, and Recoleta, and La Boca. The blend of European elegance and Latin energy made the city feel both familiar and entirely unique.
Workshop with Composer Oscar Escalada
One of the most special experiences of our time in Argentina was our music workshop with Oscar Escalada, an acclaimed Argentine composer, conductor, and music educator. Mr. Escalada led our choir in a rehearsal of his own works—part of our tour repertoire—providing invaluable insights into the pieces' style, text, and cultural context. Working directly with the composer whose music we were performing was an extraordinary opportunity. Mr. Escalada’s warmth and wisdom made a profound impact on our singers, bringing deeper meaning and authenticity to our performances.
Collaborative Concert with Coro Nacional de Niños
At Parroquia Santa Julia, MUSYCA participated in a joyful and moving collaborative concert with the Coro Nacional de Niños de Argentina (National Children’s Choir of Argentina). The event showcased both choirs’ talents, culminating in a combined piece -- A la puerta del cielo - that brought together voices from two continents in perfect harmony. It was a beautiful celebration of international friendship through music.
Finale Performance at Palacio Libertad
Our tour concluded with a formal performance at the magnificent Palacio Libertad, the headquarters of Argentina’s Ministry of Culture. We sang in the Salón de Honor, an ornate concert hall that has hosted some of the most important cultural events in the country. In this elegant and historic space, MUSYCA delivered a powerful and expressive program to an appreciative audience of arts supporters, cultural leaders, and invited guests. Maestro Oscar Escalada honored us by attending our performance at Palacio Libertad, joining the audience in their standing ovation, and cheering MUSYCA singers on their fantastic, heartfelt performances. It was a great finale to a truly extraordinary tour.
🎶 Thank You / Gracias / Obrigado
We are grateful to our incredible hosts in Brazil and Argentina, the cultural institutions and artists who welcomed us, and the MUSYCA families and supporters who made this experience possible. Most of all, we are proud of our young singers, who carried the MUSYCA spirit with grace, enthusiasm, and excellence.
Big thanks to Gus Ruelas (Chloe and Jessica's dad) for the incredible photos of our tour!
Sing on!
MUSYCA
Comments