Profile Gerson Galante is a Brazilian multi- instrumentalist, bandleader, composer and arranger, whose musical fluency spans many genres, including Latin, Brazilian, Jazz, Classical, Theater, Modern, and Pop. He is currently lead tenor saxophonist with Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo, the top jazz orchestra in South America, and has toured with some of the most famous Brazilian musical artists for four decades. Instruments Soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, flutes, clarinet
InterXchange ensemble Is a flexible ensemble dedicated to making international musical exchanges between Brazil and The United States. Ranging in size from a trio to an 18-piece ensemble, the group is assembled as required for its given musical needs. Co-founded and led by Brazilian arranger Gerson Galante and American composer Melanie Mitrano, InterXchange works on two continents, performing in Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, as well as in the New York area. This unique cross-cultural ensemble performs a wide array of musical styles, spanning New Music, American and Brazilian Jazz, MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), Third Stream and Cross-Genres. The members are especially committed to premiering new compositions and arrangements that highlight intersections between Brazilian and American music.
Through live performances and professional recordings, InterXchange seeks outlets for musical alliances such as repertoire swaps, guest artists, and pairings between American and Brazilian artists to create new works. The group actively strives to create collaborative opportunities with composers and other ensembles, cultivating a powerful musical cross-pollination on both the North and South American continents.
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Tours:
Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica de São Paulo, Royal Albert Hall, London, England (2016)
Lilian Carmona Ensemble, Jazz Festival de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil (2012)
Orquestra Arte viva, Teatro Solis, Montevideo, Uruguay (2008)
Gerson Galante, CD 501 State Tour São Paulo (1993)
Pery Ribeiro, São Paulo State Tour, Brazil (1984)
Cauby Peixoto, São Paulo Capital, Brazil (1983)
Raul Seixas, São Paulo Capital, Santos, Brazil (1982)
Sá e Guarabyra, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (1981)
Ponte Aérea Ensemble, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte (1980-1982)
Ivan Lins Novo Tempo Tour, Teatro SESC Consolação and São Paulo State Tour (1980)
1º São Paulo-Montraux Jazz Festival, Grupo Obus Brazil (1978)
2º São Paulo-Montreux Jazz Festival, Grupo Ponte Aérea Brazil (1980)
Wilson Simonal, Paraguai Tour and São Paulo State Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1979-1980) São Paulo-Montreaux Jazz Festival, Grupo Obus (1978)
Awards:
Citation of Professional Excellence, CLAM Centro Livro de Aprendizagem Musical (Free Center for Musical Learning), for contributions in performance, arranging and teaching of Brazilian music. [2018]
Master Teacher Certificate, ExplicaSax Brasil, for distinction in the field of instrumental music education emphasizing the saxophone. [2018]
New York Women Composers Seed Money Grant, InterXchange Ensemble, funding for a concert presentation of NYWC composer-members in São Paulo, Brazil. [2017]
Merit Award from the OMB (Order of Brazilian Musicians) for artistic achievement in the Brazilian musical community and for recognition as the youngest professional musician on record in the union. [2015]
Recognition of Achievement by the Admission Council of the Jazz Symphonic Orchestra of the State of São Paulo, for the highest score earned in the National Auditions. [2011]
Canja Music Magazine Rising Star Award for distinction in performance by an emerging young artist. [1980]
Recognition of Distinction by the Marisa Urbam Show on TV Bandeirantes, and inclusion in their exclusive televised interview / documentary series of notable Brazilian artists. [1980]
1st Place in the instrumental music category of the Tupi TV Music Competition. [1979].
Awards
Citation of Professional Excellence, CLAM
Centro Livro de Aprendizagem
Musical (Free Center for Musical Learning), for
contributions in performance,
arranging and teaching of Brazilian music.
[2018]
Master Teacher Certificate, ExplicaSax Brasil,
for distinction in the field of
instrumental music education emphasizing the
saxophone. [2018]
New York Women Composers Seed Money
Grant, InterXchange Ensemble,
funding for a concert presentation of NYWC
composer-members in São
Paulo, Brazil. [2017]
Merit Award from the OMB (Order of
Brazilian Musicians) for artistic
achievement in the Brazilian musical
community and for recognition as the
youngest professional musician on record in
the union. [2015]
Recognition of Achievement by the
Admission Council of the Jazz Symphonic
Orchestra of the State of São Paulo, for the
highest score earned in the
National Auditions. [2011]
Canja Music Magazine Rising Star Award for
distinction in performance by an
emerging young artist. [1980]
Recognition of Distinction by the Marisa
Urbam Show on TV Bandeirantes, and
inclusion in their exclusive televised interview
/ documentary series of notable
Brazilian artists. [1980]
1st Place in the instrumental music category
of the Tupi TV Music Competition. 1979
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