Meet Kely Pinheiro | Cellist and Arranger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kely Pinheiro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kely, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Niteroi, a vibrant city near Rio de Janeiro brimming with artistic talent. Growing up surrounded by such a creative energy undoubtedly fostered my own artistic inclinations.

Music became an integral part of my life from a young age. Thanks to the incredible Orquestra de Cordas da Grota, I began exploring musical instruments at the tender age of five, starting with the recorder. Their nurturing environment provided a springboard for me to experiment with violin, guitar, and piano before discovering my true passion – the cello.

While Orquestra de Cordas da Grota nurtured my love for classical music, I also found a haven for contemporary music exploration at my local church. There, I delved into the world of drums, electric bass, and the keyboard, broadening my musical horizons considerably.

I’m immensely grateful to both of these institutions for shaping my musical journey. Their combined influence – classical training alongside contemporary exploration – is what makes my approach to music unique. It’s this very blend that I strive to express in my creative endeavors.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a culmination of years of self-discovery and a deep desire to express truth and love through music. It blends my classical training with contemporary influences, creating a unique sound that reflects my own experiences.

Getting here wasn’t easy. From navigating visa challenges and cultural adjustments to the hustle of the American music industry, there have been hurdles. But my upbringing by strong women instilled in me perseverance. Mental health struggles and financial setbacks haven’t stopped me – music is my solace and fuel.

I want the world to know that my story is one of resilience and the pursuit of artistic truth. It’s a story fueled by love, music, and a desire to connect.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week with my best friend in NYC would be a whirlwind adventure! We’d start with a classic diner breakfast, then get lost browsing treasures at Westsider Rare & Used Books. After a delicious Brazilian lunch, we’d be awestruck by dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. To end the night, live jazz at a famous club like Dizzy’s Club or the Cellar Door would be unforgettable.

The rest of the week would be a mix of iconic landmarks and hidden corners. We’d rent bikes in Central Park, explore Chelsea Market’s artisanal vibes, and take a double-decker bus tour to see the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. We’d delve into a distinct neighborhood, like Greenwich Village’s quaint shops or SoHo’s chic art galleries, and end with a dazzling Broadway show. A ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island would round out our exploration of NYC’s rich history. This is just a suggestion, of course – the beauty is creating memories together!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While countless individuals have contributed to my journey, a special shoutout goes to the Orquestra de Cordas da Grota for nurturing my early love of music. Camerata Laranjeiras, Oslo Strings, and the guidance of Stein-Gunnar and Kjetil Solbraekke further enriched my artistry.

For my exploration of contemporary music, I’m indebted to Eugene Friesen and Gilson Schachnik.

The Lockwood and Levites families deserve immense credit for their unwavering support, and I’m grateful to David Lai for his patience and mentorship.

Last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to all the friends and colleagues who’ve championed my work – your encouragement means the world!

Website: https://www.kelypinheiro.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_braziliancellist/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kely-pinheiro-a73162207/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinheirokely

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRYYBiLbjfjj2Ar_TUROzjQ

Image Credits
Robert Torres