Updated on Feb.3, 2012
Fundição Progresso, Rio de Janeiro's famous non-governmental organization and cultural center installed in a former foundry in Lapa, has a major role in the ongoing revitalization of Rio de Janeiro street Carnival.
Since 2006, Fundição has promoted an annual contest to choose the best new marchinhas de Carnaval. The contest involves a CD release show and a Carnival parade. The project was devised by Perfeito Fortuna, president of Fundição Progresso.
Marchinhas de Carnaval (literally, "little Carnival marches") are ditties which have formed the musical tradition of Brazil street Carnival with funny lines, double meanings, social comentary and romantic themes for over a century. Since the first Fundição Progresso contest, four CDs have been released and over 4,000 songs have been submitted, proving the lingering appeal of the format in Brazil Carnival.
Like old-time marchinhas, which lived their heyday from the 1930s to the 1960s and yielded a world hit - "Mamãe Eu Quero" (by Jararaca & V.Paiva, 1937), sung by Carmen Miranda, the songs in the Fundição Progresso contest irreverently address a variety of current affairs.
However, twice-winner Edu Krieger (with Bendita Baderna in 2009 and Nossa Fantasia in 2011) has preferred melodic songs with more elaborate lyrics.
As of this update, registration is open for the 2012 contest till Oct. 31, 2011 (www.concursodemarchinhas.com.br).
Every year, Fundição Progresso hosts shows, Carnival parades and dances around the contest. This year, the contest and its award pay homage to Mario Lago (1911-2010), a multi-talented man who wrote several Carnival hits.
Grand Contest Finals and Carnival Ball 2012:
The grand finals and Carnival party at Fundição Progresso will open with Banda Fundição playing the 10 runner-up marchinhas and songs by Mario Lago, the honored songwriter, performed by Moyseis Marques, Nina Wirtti and Chamon.
Three finalists will be chosen by Edu Krieger, Pedro Aragão, Rachel Valença, Thiago Cesário Alvim and Zéu Britto. Videos of the songs are shown on TV Globo's show Fantástico; people all over Brazil can vote for their favorite by phone. Prizes are R$15 thousand, first place; R$ 8 thousand, second place; R$ 4 thousand, third place.
Runners-Up:
"Anjo G" (Eugênio Dale and Suely Mesquita) – Niterói/RJ
"É tudo verdade" (Daniel Pereira and Jorgito Sápia) – Niterói/RJ
"Estresse mata" (Eduardo Dussek) – Rio de Janeiro/RJ
"Jardim encantando" (Gilberto de Xangô) – Rio de Janeiro/RJ
"Marcha dos 4" (Sérgio Fonseca and Ernesto Pires) – Rio de Janeiro/RJ
"Marcha olímpica" (Nuno Neto, Janjão, Gallotti and Pedro Holanda) – Rio de Janeiro/RJ
"Papagaio no arame" (Fábio Ferreira Simões) – Recife/PE
"Temporal de cachaça" (Leandro Almeida) – Paraisópolis/MG
"Tudo dói" (Darcy Maravilha and Sérgio Foleado) – Rio de Janeiro/RJ
"Virgem com leão" (Roberto Cláudio da Cruz) – Recife/PE
While everyone votes and the winners are chosen, the band from Cordão do Boitatá will be playing classic marchinhas and their own hits.
The results will be announced and Banda Fundição will go back on stage to play the winning marchinhas. Orquestra Voadora will close the show.
When: Feb.5, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Fundição Progresso (Rua dos Arcos, 24 – Lapa - Rio de Janeiro)
www.fundicaoprogresso.com.br
Tickets: R$20 (R$10 for people in costume)
The Fundição ticket office is open Mon-Fri noon to 8 p.m. and Sat if there's a show, as of noon.
