Biographies
Adriana Assemany
Adriana Assemany was born in Salvador, Bahia. She attended Theater School at UFBA with specialization in Theater Direction, besides working with cinema and video. Moving to Florida in 1998, her interests have shifted a bit to Culinary Arts. Having graduated in 2004, since then she works as a Pastry & Personal Chef. After falling in love with the whole approach and proposal of Brazilian Voices, she joined he group in February of 2007. It is her way of restoring emotions of her native country, and emotions of being on stage through this new challenge that it is to singing.
Ana Osorio Muñoz
Ana was born in Bogotá, Colombia and is a professional in Marketing & Advertising. She started her musical education for voice and instruments as a child and performed with the chamber choir Severino for eight years. She moved to the US in 1995 where she now lives with her husband and two little sons.
Ana Saint-Clair
Ana was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, where she studied Business Administration at Universidade Candido Mendes. She moved to the U.S. in December 2006 with her husband and young son. Her personal interests include healthy lifestyle, traveling, photography and jewelry crafting. She joined Brazilian Voices in January 2010 to pursue the old dream of singing.
Anabella Aguilar
A proud mother of two beautiful children, Gabriel and Samantha, she has lived in South Florida for seven years, and joined Brazilian Voices in 2008. She works in an online marketing agency, and is a seasoned health & life insurance agent. Anabella loves the beach, yoga and meditation. A Venezuelan native, and adopted "Brazilian", she is very proud of being part of a such a versatile and successful non-profit organization. She loves the Arts & Healing and Educational programs, and performing in the big concerts. But what she loves the most is the unity of cultures and the big, warm, supportive family that Brazilian Voices represents in her life.
Andrea Felizardo
Her artistic choice is to praise the beauty of her country, the soul of its individuals. She was born in Porto Alegre. There, she took voice technique classes, and had solo seasonal performances for some time; she also participated in the city's chorus. Andréa arrived in the United States in 1996, where she married Orlando, and had a beautiful boy, Arthur. She is happy with her most recent endeavour "Looks to Kill" as a make-up artist. She took voice classes with Rose Max, and joined Brazilian Voices in 2002, where she not only promotes but also rescues nostalgic memories of her country.
Aneliz Leite Butterfield
Aneliz was born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, and has been away from Brazil since 2002. She lived in London, UK for 3 years, and moved to Florida in 2006. Living a very happy and healthy married life, loves bicycling, the beach, yoga and meditation. She is very proud and excited to be part of Brazilian Voices where everyone experiences the pleasure of sharing joy and love through singing
Carolina Lassance
Carol is the youngest member of the group. She was born and raised in Miami, but is of Brazilian & Cuban descent. Her goal is to pursue a singing career. Her passion for music and singing started at the early age of 6 when she joined her school & church choir. She then joined a very talented high school choir, performing in different cities in the US, and in different countries in Europe, including a presentation for the Pope at the Vatican in 2006. Having participated in several musicals, she was a finalist of the high school singing competition 'Voice of an Angel'. She plays piano, and speaks 4 languages. Carol loves all types of music, but her heart beats faster for Brazilian music, the main reason why she joined this special group of talented singers.
Catherine Araujo
She was born in California but raised in a very small town in Ceara, Brazil. Her father is Brazilian and her mother is Colombian. She speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English fluently. She has been living in FL since 1995. In 2008, she graduated from Nova Southeastern University with an MBA and is currently employed at ADP as an Implementation Specialist. During her free time, Catherine enjoys spending time with family, traveling, dancing, singing, reading and volunteering. Brazilian Voices allows her to keep her Brazilian culture and wonderful childhood memories of her family alive and preserved inside of her, specially the bond with her father while growing up. "It is an honor to be part of this organization, and be able to experience such wonderful energy with everyone."
Cláudia Chen
Claudia was born in Taiwan, and raised in Brazil. She graduated as Systems Analyst and worked for IBM-Brazil. She got married, and moved to the US in 1994 where she is now the mother of three beautiful daughters. Raised to respect worldwide cultures, she is in a lifelong mission to spread its wonders. In her youth, she took part in Chinese folkloric events and dances in Brazil. Brazilian by heart, her pleasure is to spread Brazilian music and culture, and to be part of Brazilian Vocies.
Cláudia Nunes
Professional Marketing Consultant, Claudia has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with focus in Marketing. Raised in Rio de Janeiro, however born in New York City, she has a mixed background. Music has always been a source of inspiration, mostly dedicated in the field of dance, discovered that singing brings in benefits that cannot be described but lived. She devotes a lot of time to charitable entities, teaching Sunday school, and working for a non-profit organization that raises money for poor children's education in the world. "Brazilian Voices brings to me a special joy in being Brazilian; it allows me to show the world the best Brazil has to offer in a very romantic way."
Cristina Metayer
Cristina Metayer was born in Santo André, São Paulo. She moved to South Florida in 1989 to improve her English and venture in a new life in the US, where she found her passion as a Massage Therapist. In August 2009, a beautiful gift came into her life: Brazilian Voices, a group of women who touched her heart and soul with music and laughter. She is enjoying every moment of it, and like massage, music is in her heart!
Cristina Palomo
Cristina was born in Barretos, São Paulo. She studied Photography at Escola Panamericana de Artes, and worked as a computer analist for IBM Brazil until 1988. She met her husband Guillermo in Brazil, and moved to the U.S. 20 years ago. She has two beautiful daughters, Vannesa and Alexa, who travel to Brazil, Barretos, every summer to maintain a close relatioship with their family and the Brazilian culture. After her father's death in 2004, followed by her mother's 7 months later, a friend and member of Brazilian Voices invited her to an audition. It has been a warm and fullfilling experience, but challenging at times. Brazilian Voices has been a way of nurturing heart and soul with the kind of music that takes her back to when she was happy with her parents and sisters in her beloved country, Brazil.
Deborah M. C. Ogden
Deborah was born in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Arquitect and Urbanist, she worked several years in the area of Real Estate Appraisal. She moved with her husband to Florida, USA in 2000. Mother of two children, Julia and William, she currently dedicates her time and love to her family and music. Since childhood she has always been very involved in arts, theater, painting and music with its varied rhythms . Today with Brazilian Voices she has the opportunity to reignite her great passion for Brazilian art and culture.
Dilvar Munoz
Dilvar was born in Panama City, Panama. She studied Tourism Management in the University of Panama; moved to Florida in 2001 where she works as a Florida Licensed Insurance Agent. As for her music passion, she was part of the SGI Music Group "Quinto Milenio" in Panama, and she is an active member of the SGI Florida Ikeda Chorus. Joined Brazilian Voices in 2008 and love the tremendous effort this group has been doing to promote peace, culture and education through music.
Elci Neves
Elci was born in Recife, Pernambuco, but was raised in São Paulo. In Brazil, she worked as an executive administrative assistant. She moved to the U.S in 1997, and she is married and has two daughters. She loves the ocean and to travel, she is always "on the go" enjoying life, not to mention her love for MPB, which is one of the reasons she loves being part of Brazilians Voices..
Eleonora Côrte Hernandez
Born in São Paulo, she has developed her career in finance, reason for her transference to Florida in January 2007 followed by her husband. Although always passionate for music and specially singing, her contact with music had been only socially, in karaokes, singing with friends followed by a guitar and for a small period as a vocal in an informal rock band with friends.
Élida Cammer
Elida Cammer was born in São Paulo. She has a degree in Psychology and Post Graduate in Educational Psychology. Elida worked in a private practice for 10 years. In 2000, she moved to the United States with her husband Gary. She has two adorable children, Leonardo and Soraya. They are both adults and live in São Paulo. Her hobby is photography and at present she works for a health care company. Singing Brazilian music is one of her passions.
Elita de Freitas
Elita Moura de Oliveira Freitas was born in Garanhuns, PE, and raised in São Paulo, where she married and had four children, Augusto, Danilo, Tatiana and Priscilla (who certainly hears me sing from heaven). Retired from Sao Paulo City Hall, she now enjoys oil painting, pottery and mexican style in copper and aluminum. Another passion is her chocolate truffles. She had attended several performances, and Loren Oliveira encouraged her to participate, specially after her daughter’s passing. "If it wasn’t for my kids and the group's encouragement, I would have never smiled again. This is my wonderful therapeutic session. It is a dream to be here.".
Evellyn Santos
Evellyn Santos was born in São Paulo, graduated in Hotel Administration from Renaissance University. Very passionate about Brazilian Culture (singing and dancing) she joined Brazilian Voices right after she moved from New York to Florida. She performed several times for world peace with a live band at the Queens Community Center, also gigs at the Luna de Juarez Restaurant and Morrison's Pub, all in New York City.
Gabriela Gadia
Raised in the United States by Brazilian parents, Gabriela is a child of both worlds. Being in the Brazilian Voices allows her to feel closer to her heritage as well as do what she loves most, sing! She has been singing most of her life, taking lessons and participating in musical productions in high school and college. She is grateful to the BV directors Bia and Loren for creating such a lovely and inspired creative outlet for women.
Graziella Corbellini Gadia
Graziella Corbellini Gadia was born and raised in the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul. She is a true "gaúcha" that lived in Porto Alegre until 2006 when she moved to Weston, Florida, after getting married to Carlos. Graziella has a big family consisting of 4 children, 3 beautiful girls and 1 lovely boy. She has a bachelor degree in marketing/advertising from PUC-RS, and has worked for many years with advertising agencies. Nowadays, she dedicates her free time to painting. Participating in Brazillian Voices is both an honor and a wonderful opportunity to be close to her roots.
Heloisa Machado
Heloisa was born in Minas Gerais, land of beautiful mountains and exquisite cuisine, in Bom Despacho, where she was exposed to all forms of art. Music runs freely in her huge family, and has always been her passion. Her university major was in Literature & Languages at PUC-MG. In Brazil she taught English, Portuguese as a second language and was also a translator. She moved to Miami in 1991 with her two beloved sons Felipe and Henrique, and is a multi-task professional working mainly with translations, teaching, and as a realtor. She is thrilled to sing with these wonderful and talented women. She's proud of her origins and delighted to be part of this gear always in motion, promoting Brazil's eclectic music.
Isabel Escosteguy
Isabel Escosteguy moved from Rio de Janeiro to Connecticut in 1990 with her husband Marcos. She is an IT professional with degrees in Math and Computer Science. Although she sang in school and church choirs, she found her most fulfilling singing experience with Brazilian Voices. The vocal group not only offers her the opportunity to be in close contact with the best of the Brazilian culture, but also the chance to share this treasure with an international audience. In addition, the Brazilian Voices Educational program gave her the great joy of bringing to the stage two great passions: Capoeira and her "Capoerista" son Daniel.
Juliana Klein
Juliana Klein was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Since early in life she has lived amongst musicians, which brought about her passion for music. In Belo Horizonte, she took part in musical groups and religious choirs, and for many years also took piano and singing classes. After graduating in Administration and Tourism in 1998, she moved to Miami. Here she met Steven, and today they have a daughter named Julia. Juliana now manages her own house cleaning business. Brazilian Voices defines her passion, and it helps to chase away the blues when it comes to her country, Brazil.
Karey Lorena Emmerich
Karey was born in Belo Horizonte, capital of Minas Gerais. She holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration/Management, and has worked for renowned companies such as ABB Asea Brown Boveri, and Nestle Brazil for 6 years. Her passion for music was inspired by her older sister Kassia, a piano teacher. She took piano, flute and vocal technique lessons at the local music conservatory where she was also a choir member. Studied theater at Teatro Universitário de Minas Gerais for one year. Life has taken many turns, and she moved to Florida five years ago. "I'm a free spirit and music will always be part of who I am".
Kátia Maria Nicolelis Germano
Kátia was born in São Paulo. Her passion for singing and dancing is the reason that makes her so happy and blessed for taking part in Brazilian Voices. She moved to the US with her husband Marcos in 1998, and later on they had two wonderful boys, Bryan and Derek that also sing in Brazilian Voices Kids. With a background in Educational Psychology, she always worked in this area when living in Brazil. Now she dedicates her life to raising the family with a lot of love, strength and courage.
Kátia Iole
Kátia was born in Jundiaí, São Paulo, land of vineyards, something a good Italian descendent starts to appreciate early in life. Majored in Translation/Interpretation, and Bachelor of Arts in 1985 at Ibero Americana, São Paulo. Moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1986, and earned a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language at UCI. Living in Weston, her professional passion and occupation is movie subtitling, translations, and interpretation. Mother of two very special and talented girls, Gabby and Nathália. Always passionate about music, dance, theatre, and poetry, she is ecstatic to be part of such a talented vocal group.
Luciana Dal Santo Lewis
Luciana was born in Soledade, a small town in Rio Grande do Sul. She graduated in Arts, and holds a Master in Fashion Design. After getting married, she moved with her husband to São Paulo, where she lived for 12 years and had two children. Today she lives in Florida with her family. Coming from a musical and creative family that has always been involved in music, only now she discovered her true passion: 'singing'.
Luciana Ramos
Luciana was born in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where she majored in Physical Education at Federal University. After moving to the United States with her husband and two children in 1994, she started working with international freight. Her great passion for singing was invigorated after joining Brazilian Voices, where she has the opportunity to promote Brazilian music, contributing to an integration of cultures.
Luisa Alvarado
Luisa was born in Bogota, Colombia. She got her Bachelor degree as Hotel and Business Administrator in the "Universidad Externado de Colombia". She moved to the United States in 2000 with her son Diego Andres. Luisa now works in the hotel industry. "Performing as a singer with Brazilian Voices is an opportunity to share the happiness within our hearts, and to show everyone that unity is possible when together we use the universal language of love."
Lygia Maria Edghill
Lygia Maria was born in São Paulo, and was simultaneously alphabetized in Portuguese and in English at an American school. Graduated from Faculdade Santa Marcelina in Artistic Education with specialty in Technical and Geometric Design. Studied music since very young - 8 years of piano, then guitar, flute and singing. Lives in the US since 1991, now in Florida with her husband, Dean, and her two sons, Tyler and Blake. She was taught that one we must never forget our roots, and speaks only Portuguese to her children, and always talks about her family in Brazil. "My father passed away a few years ago, but he always asked me to sing for him. Now that I am part of Brazilian Voices, I am sure he is smiling in heaven! What a privilege to be part of so many peoples' lives."
Maria Fernanda Wills
Maria Fernanda was born and raised in New York City. At the age of 15 she moved to Bogota, Colombia where her family is from, and spent the majority of her life there. She has a great passion for music and in Colombia was part of singing and dancing groups in school. In June of 2001, she moved to Miami with her three sons. Maria Fernanda is a graduate in Psychology from the Pontificie Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia and works in Human Resources. She has been a member of Brazilian Voices since January of 2010. Being part of this wonderful group of Brazilian women has been one of the best and most enriching experiences of her life!
Marize Casaes
Marize was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She moved to Florida with husband and daughter in 2000. She has a major in Business Administration. Drawn to Psychology and Alternative Therapies, she studied and graduated in Naturopathy and Astrology; and while still in Brazil made her career in those fields. Believing that Arts, music in special, are powerful tools in the therapeutic and self-cure processes, she found in Brazilian Voices the ideal opportunity to unite love to Brazilian culture, and to apply and expand her knowledge.
Marpessa Quintar-DeMoraes
Marpessa was born in Florida, United States. She moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina when she was 7 years old and developed a keen interest in music and singing. Upon graduating from High School, she began to study Musical Comedy but had to postpone further studies in order to pursue her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She incorporated the benefits of music in her institutional and private practice. Marpessa returned to the US in 1996 to earn an additional degree of Masters in Elementary Education. She currently takes vocal and piano lessons as part of her Music Education. She lives with her husband, a native Brazilian and musician, and their three daughters. In 2001, Marpessa joined Brazilian Voices, a family of talented and warm women who have and continue to be an inspiration to her.
Monica Ramos
Born in Brazil, she came to the US in her senior year of Psychology, and now resides in Wellington with her precious 13 year old son Daniel. She and her husband opened a business building, designing, and decorating several homes in Wellington, Port Saint Lucie, and Sarasota. Her talent for Interior Design has been recognized nationally, and her profile on the TV show "Rate My Space" at HGTV received unanimous positive response. One of her models was featured on CBS, CSI Miami. "I've learned to accept all challenges life presents me with a positive attitude, never giving up on my dreams. Singing with Brazilian Voices is one of the most amazing dreams in my life. I am so honored to be part of a remarkable project that brings so much joy, healing, and culture to our community."
Jade
Jade was born in São Paulo where she attended American school. Always traveling a lot, Jade studied in Switzerland and in New York. Her interest in music, dance and arts in general started early in life. Graduated in Architecture and Interior Design, she has Master in Photography. Residing in the US for the past 15 years, married to an ex professional baseball player, and mother of five children, she shares her time among all these special arts. Her great passion is to create - always looking for something new, be that as a photographer, in her personal life or particularly within Brazilian Voices, where she expresses her artistic side since 2002 not only singing but helping the group with its visual appeal as well as its professional growth.
Renata Pizzutti
Renata was born in São Paulo, Brazil. She received a Degree in Arts from FAAP University. Since then she has been working as a home textile designer for over 20 years. Her expertise brought her to USA in 2001, when she moved with her family to New York. She currently works as a Design Director in Miami. She is a very proud mother of a son named Lucas. Enjoying music since childhood, she used to be part of the University chorus in Brazil. Today she is very honored for being part of "Brazilian Voices", which brings her happiness, and makes her feel closer to her loved ones.
Rose Tapigliani
Rose is from São Paulo, Brazil, and has been living a passionate and inspiring life in South Florida since 1994. She shares her time with two beautiful daughters, her job, the Spiritist Center Bezerra de Menezes, and since October 2003 with the Brazilian Voices.
Rosemary Lee
Rosemary was born in Campinas, São Paulo. She has a Bachelors degree in Physical Education. As a gymnast and later as a gymnastics instructor, she won many Regional, State and National titles. She moved with her husband and son to the USA in 2004 and works as a Realtor. Rosemary joined Brazilian Voices in 2005, and she is very proud to be part of this great organization that keeps her close to Brazilian music and culture.
Selma Savage
Selma was born in São Paulo, SP. She majored in Business Administration at Rio de Janeiro University (UFRJ), where she lived for six years working in Bookkeeping and Financial Comptroller. She also lived in London, Paris, and New York. In London, she sang with a Brazilian band in parties and restaurants. Living in Florida since 2001, she is married and has three children.
Sibila Ribeiro
Sibila was born in São Paulo, Brazil and holds a BA in Social Communications. After living in Los Angeles twice; first time in her teens and second time in her early 20's to get another degree, now in Computer Graphics and Design from UCLA; she then moved back to Brazil to open her web & graphic design studio. In 1998 she met her husband on a trip to New York and now lives in Florida with him and their two daughters, where she works independently as a web & graphic designer from her home office. Invited by Loren Oliveira, Brazilian Voices Director, Sibila joined the group in October of 2003.
Sue Scaglione
Sue was born in São Paulo, Brazil and lives in the US since 1992. Graduated in Education and Physical Education she worked as a School Principal in Brazil. She continued her studies in education in Illinois. She is a mother of a girl and currently takes Graphic Design classes.
Sybille Oortman Nascimento
Sybille was born in São Paulo, SP, where she lived for 10 years, before moving with her family to Cabreúva. Studied music since the age of 6. At 13 she started playing the flute. She studied for four years at Conservatório de Tatuí, the biggest in Latin America. Besides flute, theory and band practices, she's had the opportunity to take voice lessons and join the youth chorus "Caindo no Tom". She also sang in the chorus "Vozes de Itu". She moved to Florida in December of 2007, and joined the group in 2008. She currently studies Economy at Broward College, where she also studies music. "When I arrived here I missed Brazilian music in a way I cannot explain. It is wonderful to be 'back home' in such good company!"
Tania Gelabert
Tania is originally from New York, and was raised both in NYC and Florida -her second home. Her father was from Puerto Rico and mother's father from Israel. Tania is bilingual. As a Realtor for Weichert International Group she consults for developers and investors. On her free time she loves to dance, sing, work out, travel and enjoy family and friends. Tania has always been intrigued by Brazilian culture, and music especially Samba and jazz. "Brazilian Voices has made it possible for me not only to get closer to the Brazilian culture but to participate in it, and enjoy such positive energy and passion for this culture as I learn more and more of this beautiful country, and its wonderful people!"
Thais Grinberg
Thais was born in São Paulo. Graduated in Communications, Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations. Worked for TV Bandeirantes for 14 years in research and marketing. Has always been close to music and musicians, but mostly backstage. Always loved Brazilian pop music and sang everything, knew the lyrics to everything, but had never thought about singing publicly, and could have never imagined how wonderful that would be. Living in Florida since 2003, has one son, and had the wonderful opportunity to join Brazilian Voices. Today singing is everything – therapy, enthusiasm, friendship; everything interconnects with the joy of being able to sing.
Thais Reiss
Originally from Campinas, Brazil, Thaís has gone back and forth her native country and South Florida, where she studied International Relations and lately her MBA. At age 6, she started her music education. Besides theory, playing the keyboard and piano, she undertook vocal training and composition in 2002 with Loren Oliveira, who then invited her to join the Brazilian Voices: a self-endeavour of art, culture, friendship, and heritage. Thaís has always loved performing, and is especially proud to be part of the organization's Educational Program team.
Viviane Neves
Viviane was born in São Paulo, SP. She is a graduate in Business Administration, and has a Master in Business Administration. Even though she spent most of her life working in the Financial field, her passion has been music since childhood. She sang with her parents, who loved to sing too. After her marriage, she participated in festivals with her husband, playing guitar, and doing some backing vocals. In 2001 she moved to Florida, and in 2004 she had the opportunity and good fortune of becoming part of this wonderful group, and its projects.
Walkiria Pauli
Walkiria was born and raised in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. She moved to San Francisco, California, accompanying her husband in 1989. Her only son Chris was born in Los Angeles and is the joy of her life. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UFRGS and a certificate in Translation from FIU. She is currently living in Weston, Florida, with her family and works full-time as a freelance translator mainly in the IT, legal an corporate segments. She has been practicing yoga since the 80’s for inner peace, and now finds very fulfilling to be part of the special energy of Brazilian Voices.
