Gira - Songs for the Orishas

Doors open 30 mins before start time

Gira - Songs for the Orishas is the striking combination of jazzy arrangements for Afro-Brazilian songs and chants dedicated to the Orishas - Yoruba deities - performed in a ritualistic fashion, with multi-sensory elements.

Giulia Drummond’s voice, drums and shruti box alongside Mario Caribé’s bass, guitar and foot percussion create the musical foundation for this deeply atmospheric show. Some of the songs and chants are from within the Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions and others were written by popular Brazilian songwriters, including some originals, all sung in Portuguese or Yoruba.

The word Gira originates from the Kimbundu language ‘njira’, which means “path” or “way”. In Brazil, the word is used to refer to rituals within certain Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions. The performance features elements of storytelling - in English - offering the audience an introduction to the Orishas and providing background for a deeper understanding of the songs and the traditions they originate from.

Giulia Drummond is a Brazilian singer songwriter and performer with 20 years of experience interested in the exploration of various different musical traditions from around the world. With her deep voice, a shruti box, drums and a strong stage presence, Giulia creates entrancing performances. Having moved to Scotland in 2019, she’s been collaborating with musicians, dancers and storytellers in a variety of projects surrounding themes of belonging, identity and the rich tapestry of human experience.

Mario Caribé is a Brazilian bassist, guitarist, composer and educator with 45 years of experience in the field of jazz and crossover genres. He’s been performing and writing music in Scotland for the last 30 years with hundreds of artists, having played for 11 years with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and with most of the lead jazz artists in the Scottish scene. Mario recorded two albums under his own name and participated in over 30 as a sideman. He’s been part of the faculty in the RCS Jazz Department for over 12 years.

Pianodrome Bruntsfield is at The St.Oswald's Center at 41 Montpelier Park, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh EH10 4NB, just parallel to Bruntsfield Place and next to Bruntsfield Primary School.

The Pianodrome is based in a 130 year old ex church building, and currently the space is unheated, so please remember to wrap up warm.

Concessions

We do not check your right to a concession or name your price ticket. If you feel you can afford the full price please select this ticket. However, concessions prices are there to help anybody attend the show - if you need a lower cost ticket you are in the best position to determine that. No questions asked.

Accessibility:

There is ramped access to the main hall of the Pianodrome. We have an accessible toilet and space for wheelchairs. Most of our performances are relaxed performances. If you have any access requirements please feel free to email us at boxoffice@pianodrome.org.

Babes in arms

You do not need a ticket for babies, but if your child is likely to take space in a seat then please book them a ticket.

Non-human visitors

Pets are welcome if they are well behaved.