![](https://usa-p-36588810407f.b-cdn.net/1e151741-5852-4075-810e-c997b6c0d595/cyro-baptista-3.jpg?crop=202%2C202%2C0%2C0&width=202)
Photo by Eleonora Alberto.
Cyro Baptista is one of the country’s leading percussionists. He studied music at the Instituto Villa-Lobos and the Conservatory of Music in Rio de Janeiro and worked in film and theater there before arriving in the U.S. in 1980 on a scholarship to the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York. Remaining in New York, Baptista became an in-demand studio musician playing and/or performing with numerous talents such as Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, Cassandra Wilson, and John Zorn, as well as prominent Brazilian musicians. In 2002, he created the 10-piece ensemble, Beat the Donkey, which merges music with dance and Carnaval-style theatrics.
Donor -This award was generously supported by Christopher V. Walker.
This artist page was last updated on: 07.08.2024