ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:
Robert Lopez of the Community Music Center presents
the world premiere of Ogum Onirê at SFIAF 2025
By Lauren Ormond
Robert Lopez and the Robert Lopez Ensemble with Jorge Alabê will present the world premiere of Lopez's new suite of music at the Festival on Saturday May 3. Ogum Onirê is a groundbreaking work that integrates traditional Candomblé rhythms with contemporary chamber music.
Lopez is a distinguished percussionist and educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area, renowned for his dynamic fusion of various cultural musical genres. He is also an active contributor to the Bay Area music scene for several years.
His talent and experiences has led to performances at prestigious venues like the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and awards such as a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award and a grant from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program.
At the San Francisco Community Music Center (CMC), Lopez imparts his expertise through classes like the Brazilian Candomblé Drumming course. This program offers students an immersive experience in Afro-Brazilian rhythms, emphasizing techniques that bridge the musical traditions of West Africa and the Americas.
Lopez's contributions extend beyond performance and education. He is a pivotal figure in preserving and evolving Afro-Brazilian musical traditions within the contemporary music landscape. His work not only enriches the cultural tapestry of the Bay Area but also fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnections of global musical heritage.
