Reviews

"Brazilian virtuoso Simone Leitao brings a decidedly colorful vitality to this recital (rec. May – July 2011), a varied and rhythmically electric as well as eclectic mix.

From the opening Prelude of the G Minor Bach Suite, Leitao projects a febrile motor energy and crisply articulated attacks that bring a layered resonance to the essential dance impulse.

Rachmaninov's Sonata No. 2 (1913; rev. 1931) allows the epic Romantic in Leitao expression with passionate impulse. Leitao performs the work for all of its unbridled emotional upheaval. The dark chromatic lines appeal to Leitao, who fills them with sultry mystery and Lisztian demons."

Gary Lemco, Audiophile Audition, January 2012

"The Brasil Classical Series promotes Brazilian symphonic music and performers, and Saturday's program featured an array of premieres and debuts showcasing the breadth and vitality of Brazil's classical music scene."

"Leitão came alive in the Andante assai, playing with passion and providing some ravishingly beautiful melodies within the challenging texture."

Dorothy Hindman - South Florida Classical Review - December 2011

"Momoprecoce, fantasy for piano and orchestra, represents Villa-Lobos' modernist vein... Leitão was the capable, note-perfect soloist in this eleborate work, a concerto in everything but name. She was most convincing in the dreamy, rhapsodic sections in which she displayed stirring lyrical sweep."

Laurence Budmen - South Florida Classical Review

"Simone Leitão lució su asombrosa destreza y magnifica memória con una interpretación impecable."

Daniel Hernandez, El Nuevo Herald, Miami, 2009.

"Simone left an excellent impression...the climax was Prokofieff's Sixth Sonata. There is everything in this piece for a great pianist. Simone walked through this realm showing flawless technique and temperament. She can go further".

Luiz Paulo Horta, music critic of O GLOBO newspaper