Celso Machado’s solo performances transport his audiences through the richness and diversity of Brazilian music, and beyond. The regional music of Brazil has arisen out of various blends of African, Portuguese and Indigenous influences. While Celso’s music is rooted in the percussive rhythms, harmonies and spirit of Brazil it also reflects his incurable fascination with other world music traditions.He has gained mastery of a vast array of instruments including: the Arab nay, the southern Italian tamburello, Moroccan guembri, and most recently the African kora. These influences blend seamlessly into his own sound; his own unique contribution to the evolution of Brazilian music.

Celso’s father, tenor guitarist, Geraldo Machado with his band Orchestra de Dansas Tupy. For over thirty years he has performed on concert stages throughout Brazil, Western Europe and Canada, as well as in the United States.

Drawing on his thorough study of classical music, Celso composes for both solo guitar and ensemble. His remarkably innovative compositions are infused with his rich knowledge of the traditional music of Brazil: samba, chôro, baião, frêvo etc.. Published by Editions Henry Lemoine, Paris; his compositions have been recorded by guitarists throughout Europe, North America, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Japan

Machado has ten solo recordings and numerous collaborative recordings but can best be heard on his most recent 2005 Cd Capivara and his 1999 and 1997 Jongo Lê and Varal; both of which were nominated for the Canadian Juno awards in the best global recording category.

Celso’s classical guitar teacher Oscar M. Guerra. Oscar M. Guerra studied with Atillio Bernardini who studied with the Argentinian guitarist Josefina Robledo who studied with the famous Spanish guitarist Franciso Tarrega.

His score for the film In the Company of FearA Place Called Chiapas was nominated in 1999 for a Leo Award for Best Musical Score for Documentary.

Machado is much sought after as a teacher of guitar and percussion. Although he regularly teaches master classes and performs at International Guitar Seminars; he is also happy to teach less experienced musicians.

Kids also love Celso; especially when he performs his sounds of the rain forest or uses his face and body for percussion. School performances may be combined with more intimate instrument making workshops. Celso has performed at children’s festivals and over 500 school shows. Study guides are available.

Celso is fluent in English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish