Bruno Brandalise Leonardi, Brazilian, tuba and euphonium adjunct tuba and euphonium professor at University of Texas Permian Basin - UTPB, principal tuba at Big Spring Symphony Orchestra, has served in Brazil as professor of tuba at the Parana State University in Curitiba/Brazil EMBAP-UNESPAR) from 2015 to 2019, principal tuba at Curitiba Symphony Orchestra and has been a guest artist with orchestras such as the Paraná Symphony Orchestra, Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra. In the US, with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, the West Texas Symphonic Orchestra, and the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra. Bruno holds a degree in Music from the School of Music and Fine Arts of Paraná and a master’s degree in Music Education from UFPR (Federal University of Paraná). He holds a master's degree in Tuba Performance from East Texas A&M University, under the guidance of Professor Dr. Jeff Baker, and is currently pursuing his DMA at Texas Tech University, under the guidance of Professor Dr. Kevin Wass. Bruno is currently the ETB (Brazilian Euphonium and Tuba Association) treasurer officer.
This recital explores the vibrant intersection of Latin and Brazilian musical traditions through the unique combination of tuba and percussion. Latin Rhythms: A Journey through Brazilian and Latin American Music highlights how these two instruments—often associated with rhythm and foundation—can assume melodic and expressive roles within rich rhythmic contexts. The program features works by prominent Latin American composers, blending classical and popular idioms.
Fernando Deddos’ Ratata opens the recital with virtuosic interplay and humor, while Astor Piazzolla’s Café 1930 offers a moment of lyrical introspection and tango nostalgia. Alice Gomez’s Azúcar ignites the stage with percussive energy and syncopated grooves, reflecting the Afro-Cuban influence on Latin concert music. The performance concludes with Pixinguinha’s 1 x 0, a beloved Brazilian choro that celebrates rhythmic vitality and melodic charm.
Together, these works showcase the expressive range of the tuba beyond its traditional orchestral role, emphasizing its capacity for lyricism, agility, and dialogue with percussion. This recital aims to contribute to ongoing discussions of genre crossover, adaptation, and the expanding repertoire for low brass and percussion within contemporary performance.
