Ogum Onirê is a suite of ancestral music originating from the Candomblé religion. These practices, enduring the Transatlantic slave trade and centuries of religious intolerance, are a staple of Brazilian culture. This work adds chamber music instrumentation to traditional Candomblé ensemble featuring the prominent educator and master drummer Jorge Alabê.
Music Director: Robert Lopez
Cello: Shanna Sordahl
Bass: Lisa Mezzacappa
Vibraphone: Mark Clifford
Percussion: Jimmy Biala, Jorge Alabê, McAvoy Layne
Robert Lopez (CMC percussion faculty)
A percussionist and educator, Robert has a background in various types of musical folkloric traditions of Brazil, Ghana and Cuba, alongside contemporary chamber music and free improvisation. This range allows a malleable approach to sharing musical ideas. Since 2011, he has been an active member of the Bay Area music community working with groups SO AR, the Red Room Orchestra, Grex and Jordan Glenn’s BEAK among others. Since 2014 he has maintained a close relationship with Brazilian master drummer Jorge Alabê. This partnership has led to presentations at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, awards from the Fulbright US Student Program and a grant from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. He currently teaches at the SF Community Music Center and the SF Waldorf High School.
More details, performer bios, and tickets online through SFIAF
Friday, May 3 at 8:30pm
CMC Concert Hall
$20–$28
Tickets
Be sure to check out Robert’s Atabaque & Candomblé Lecture on May 1!
CMC is proud to host performances in the 2025 San Francisco International Arts Festival April 30–May 11, 2025. The Festival brings together a global community of innovative artists and audiences through projects that foster exchange across cultures all throughout the Mission District. Join us in the Concert Hall and check out the full festival lineup here.