Sunday, August 14, 2011 | Magnolia San Jose Rep Stage | 12pm
Born in Barrio Alto, Piracicaba, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, Alessandro dos Santos Penezzi began playing guitar at the age of 7. A few years later, he lied about his age to study with the great Sergio Napoleão Belluco, who would only take students who were at least the age of 12.
In addition to the classical guitar, Penezzi plays the ukulele, mandolin, tenor guitar and a variety of woodwinds. He writes for various music magazines in Brazil and is a sought-after performer, composer and teacher. He has toured Russia, the United States and Angola, and performed with many noted musicians such as such as Dominguinhos, Yamandú Costa, Zimbo Trio, Beth Carvalho, Silvio Caldas, Danilo Brito, and Renato Borghetti.
Released earlier this year, his latest CD Cordas ao Vento (Strings in the Wind) features 10 original compositions by Penezzi and his amazing performances with clarinetist Alexandre Ribeiro, who joins him onstage at the festival.
