Biography

A harpist trained by the School of Music of the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Cristina Braga was the first harpist of the Orquestra Sinfônica do Teatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro (Symphonic Orchestra of the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro), having also studied with Susan MacDonald in Indiana. In 1992, she won the Medalha de Ouro contest, sponsored by her university (UFRJ). From 1993 to 1996, Braga was one of the directors of the World Congress of Harp. Her professional debut was as a soloist for the orchestras Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira and Orquestra Sinfônica Pró-Música (from Petrobrás). In 1995, she participated in the Songbook Instrumental Antônio Carlos Jobim, interpreting with Mário Sève "Deus e o Diabo na Terra do Sol" (Tom Jobim). As a member of the instrumental quintet Opus 5, Braga recorded CDs that were released internationally. In 1996, she recorded with the Brazilian classical guitarist Marcus Braga the CD Alianças, dedicated to Brazilian composers. On her CD Feliz Natal, she interprets a Christmas repertoire written by important talented composers like Chiquinha Gonzaga and Assis Valente. In 1997, she became a member of the group Bambu. Having recorded in the next year the CD Natal Brasileiro, again dedicated to the Christmas repertoire, this time working with soprano Céline Imbert. Braga has also backed, in shows and recordings, artists like Nara Leão, Ângela Maria, Moreira da Silva, Quarteto em Cy, Zizi Possi, and Titãs, among others. ~ Alvaro Neder, Rovi