A pianist since the age of four, Heloísa Fernandes made her international debut to critical acclaim at Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina in 2008, three years after releasing her debut album Fruto which featured her own compositions and unique arrangements of works by Pixinguinha and Caetano Veloso. The idea for her third album was born in Chicago: specifically, with a Fazioli on the stage of PianoForte Studios in Chicago where she performed in 2014. The invitation to record a new album using this piano almost didn’t happen after she fell gravely ill. Once she recovered, Fernandes wanted the album, entitled Faces and released in 2016, to have the edge and risk-taking of an improvised concert, to be thoroughly in the moment. Strong and original, ancient and modern, Fernandes’ sublime creations blossom with rhythmic vitality and melodic delicacy. With her skill as an improviser, she searches for the music’s emotional depths and soars with joy. She will conclude her Chicago stop with three days of recording at PianoForte for her new solo album. Admission: $30, general; $25, ILCC members. For more information, visit latinoculturalcenter.org. The performance will take place on Sunday, Feb. 23rd at 7p.m., at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Avenue.

Photo Credit: International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago