CATHERINE BENT'S ANTENNAThursday, September 10, 2026Catherine Bent, celloAmir Milstein, fluteCaio Afiune, guitar
Constantly challenging and redrawing boundaries, cellist Catherine Bent has never fit easily into any category. Classically trained on cello and piano, conservatory trained in jazz, and professionally experienced in countless genres, Catherine built a career on the margins while patiently uncovering her unique artistic voice.
In graduate school Catherine started playing choro, the ... view more »
CATHERINE BENT’S ANTENNAThursday, September 10, 2026Catherine Bent, celloAmir Milstein, fluteCaio Afiune, guitar
Constantly challenging and redrawing boundaries, cellist Catherine Bent has never fit easily into any category. Classically trained on cello and piano, conservatory trained in jazz, and professionally experienced in countless genres, Catherine built a career on the margins while patiently uncovering her unique artistic voice.
In graduate school Catherine started playing choro, the infectious Brazilian hybrid of European dance music and African rhythms. Following the initial interest, she dove deep into the tradition and went on to spend many months in Rio de Janeiroβbuilding her repertoire in jam sessions and alongside mastersβand took the choro scene by storm with her virtuosity on the cello and fluency in the style.
Of infinite interest to Catherine is the relationship of phraseβmusic carried on the breathβand grooveβmusic felt in the bodyβwhich she explores in her musical projects and international collaborations. In MacayΓΊ Trio, Quebra Tudo, Trio CaxangΓ‘ and the duo Elis & Catherine, she and her colleagues mix elements of jazz and Latin music with dynamic ensemble interplay and tight arrangements. When the music calls for it, the playing is highly refined; at other times exploratory and free.
Catherine as well collaborates with three-time U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky as an integral part of his band and his popular series PoemJazz. She also performs with her world music projects Brasil Sonoroso and Megabreve and regularly travels and performs throughout Brazil.
In her newestβand first soloβalbum release, she presents ten original compositions, each paying tribute to a distinct Brazilian musical tradition. While choro is at the heart of the album, you will hear samba, forrΓ³, frevo, maracatΓΊ and xote, all enriched by the unique sonority of Catherine’s cello and through the prism of her imagination.
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