Percusionnist-composer Roméo Monteiro studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur Musique et Danse de Lyon, specialising in the interaction between instrumental and computer-based gestures. He focused on human and digital mixed pieces, looking at computer programming, composition and interpretation.
He has an insatiable appetite for experimenting with these aforementioned elements, either as a soloist or collaborating with composers such as: Jose-Miguel Fernandez, Federico Schumacher, Cristian Morales-Ossio, Andrea Vigani and Vincent-Raphaël Carinola. He has worked on compositions with various ensembles, such as Ü in Estonia, Spat’Sonore collective in France, and Aashti Ensemble and the Taipei Chinese Orchestra both in Taiwan. He has also lent his talent to other creative endeavours, such as ballet (Yuval Pick’s company The Guests) and theatre (Guillaume Perrot’s company Complètement Dramatique, and Compagnie Irina Brook at the Théâtre National de Nice).
Apart from contemporary music and free improvisation, he is interested in traditional Indian music. He regularly travels to South India to learn from experts such as Balakrishna Kamath and Manik Munde, incorporating the language of Carnatic music into his musical creations.
Together, these experiences have lead him to develop a musical persona and unique style of playing within various ensembles, such as: Trio de Bubar (with whom he co-created shows such as Chiaroscuro, Dans l’ombre de Norman McLaren, Bubaropolis – the latter focussing on manipulation and détournement), Les Émeudroïdes (a post-jazz quartet with whom he created Madhura Sopnam and L’Emupo), Spat’Sonore collective and the Ensemble Orchestral Contemporain.
He regularly performs abroad as part the above ensembles in Europe, the Americas and Asia. He has recorded music released on various record labels (En jeux, Neos-music, Naïve, Sismal Records, Pueblo Nuevo).
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