Cristina Maristany

One of the most important Brazilian interpreters of Villa-Lobos (praised by him in person) and one of the best Brazilian chamber music singers, the lyrical soprano Cristina Maristany came to Brazil with her family only a few months after her birth. Studying music since early age, she completed both the piano and the voice course, having taken classes by Cândida Kendall and Mme. Poukine (in Europe). Upon her return to Brazil she started to do concerts, soon being noticed. Her first album (still signed under her maiden name, Cristina Costa) was recorded in 1929 with "Saudade Sombria" and "Solidão." Eight years later she took her second trip to Argentina, where she performed successfully for two months at Rádio Splendid. Next she went to Europe, where she also had success for two years, performing in Berlin, London, Paris, Haia, Hamburg, Hessel, and other cities. Her Mozart performance as a soloist of the Symphonic Orchestra of Paris yielded praise by German critics. She also performed in Paris accompanied by Camargo Guarnieri, having returned in 1939 because of World War II. Having recorded in Buenos Aires, Paris, and Berlin, Maristany was hired by Rádio Tupi from 1940 until 1956. In 1950 she returned to Europe, where she performed in Rome and Paris. In 1965 she was awarded with the Carlos Gomes medal by the Brazilian Academy of Music.