Cátia de França

Recordings of Cátia de França’s original compositions have reached listeners through performances by Elba Ramalho, Chico César, and Xangai. Her instrumental work has appeared in projects alongside Sivuca, Zé Ramalho, Amelinha, and additional musicians. Formal training began early; at twelve she already presented piano recitals devoted to Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven at Teatro Santa Roza. Singing lessons, theory, and solfeggio rounded out her studies, which also included membership in a choir. Lyrics supplied by Diógenes Brayner accompanied her entry into a popular-music festival as a songwriter. Professional recognition as composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist came in 1967. She then joined the folkloric ensemble of the Manoel Bandeira Foundation for a European tour. Upon returning to Brazil she settled in Rio de Janeiro, where further work linked her with Northeastern artists including Zé Ramalho, Amelinha, and Sivuca. In 1970 she issued her first recording, a double single of four songs that had won a music festival earlier that year. Avatar appeared in 1997 as her debut CD, created in collaboration with the renowned poet Manoel de Barros.