By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Friday, July 13th, the music of Sri Chinmoy will arrive at Rio’s Teatro Maison de France for a free concert. ‘Songs of the Soul’ is a touring musical project that has already reached a large audience with more than 200 performances across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Songs of the Soul aims to provide a complete musical journey that introduces the audience to the world and teachings of Sri Chinmoy through his various meditative compositions. Chinmoy’s music has been both played and acclaimed by musical icons such as Leonard Bernstein, Ravi Shankar and Quincy Jones.
International singers and instrumentalists will be performing, both with Western instruments such as the cello, guitar and harp, and oriental instruments, including the Indian harmonium, Chinese erhu, and zither.
Known as an international advocate for peace, Chinmoy courted friendships with global figures such as Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa, Mikhail Gorbachev and Nelson Mandela. Upon his death in 2007 he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, he was also accused of leading his organization like a cult.
During his lifetime, Chinmoy gave hundreds of free peace concerts in venues such as New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House and the Louvre.
This concert, also free, aims to continue his legacy of spreading a message of peace through music. It is the perfect accompaniment to the recent Indian film festival, or for anyone interested in yoga or meditation in Rio.
What: Songs of the Soul
When: this Friday, July 13; 7PM
Where: Teatro Maison de France; Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 58 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20020-010
Entrance: Free