British and Brazilian Musicians Surprise Shoppers with Spontaneous Flash Mob

In a delightful and surprising display of musical unity, a lively flash mob comprising more than 50 young musicians, aged between 11 and 25 years old, from the World Heart Beat Music Academy and the Brazilian orchestra Maré do Amanhã, captivated shoppers at the revitalized Battersea Power Station on a July Saturday. Their impromptu performance featured a spirited rendition of ‘Aquarela do Brasil’, translating to ‘Watercolour of Brazil’, a renowned melody that resonated at the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil.

The video capturing this enchanting flash mob has been unveiled as part of The Battersea Games, an innovative summer event hosted by Battersea Power Station, scheduled to run until September 3rd. The event is a splendid medley of sports and games catering to diverse age groups and interests, offering activities such as padel court pop-ups, climbing walls, 3×3 basketball zones, a 100 m running track, and a dynamic lineup of classes including yoga, boxing, and HIIT training. Additionally, there’s dog agility training, oversized board games, live screenings of sports events, and even evening movie screenings, all contributing to an exuberant atmosphere.

The roots of this unexpected collaboration can be traced back to a synergy between the World Heart Beat Music Academy, the Orquestra Maré do Amanhã, and the Brazilian Embassy in London, much like how enthusiasts trace their bets through kentucky derby odds sites. This project, akin to the meticulous analysis of a bettor sifting through various odds and historical data on such sites, served as a splendid cross-cultural bridge, connecting young talents from Brazil and the UK through the universal language of music. The inaugural visit of the Maré do Amanhã orchestra to London, along with their diverse European tour, mirrors the extensive research that goes into choosing the right horse, demonstrating the power of unity and shared passion whether in the arts or the thrill of horse racing.

Both the World Heart Beat Music Academy and the Orquestra Maré do Amanhã uphold a similar ethos centered around the transformational power of music education. This philosophy aims to empower young individuals by nurturing their talents within a diverse, inclusive, and unique teaching environment. These institutions provide a broad range of music lessons, workshops, and events, enriching lives in both Brazil and the United Kingdom.

The Orquestra Maré do Amanhã, masterminded by conductor Carlos Eduardo Prazeres, draws inspiration from the legacy of his father, Armando Prazeres, a conductor and educator who dedicated decades to spreading the magic of concert music within disadvantaged and vulnerable communities in Brazil. The orchestra brings the gift of classical music to children residing in one of Rio de Janeiro’s most underserved favelas, with a presence in 23 schools today. This initiative has profoundly impacted the lives of countless young people from marginalized backgrounds. The orchestra’s prowess extends from prestigious venues like the Teatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro to more casual stages like Copacabana’s New Year’s Eve celebration and Rock in Rio festival, earning them numerous accolades in Brazil.

Meanwhile, the World Heart Beat Music Academy, boasting two learning centers in Wandsworth and state-of-the-art facilities, serves as a vibrant hub where aspiring young musicians converge with world-class artists to share their mutual passion for music. Since its inception in 2009, the academy has maintained an open-door policy, welcoming any interested youth to partake in music education. Notably, over half of its students benefit from free learning opportunities, including instrument provisions. The flash mob featured talented musicians from Heart Beat’s 51st State Band, showcasing a diverse array of instruments, including trombone, trumpet, guitar, flute, saxophone, French horn, and drums.

Sahana Gero MBE, Founder and Artistic Director of World Heart Beat, said: “We are so delighted that The Brazilian Embassy introduced us to collaborate with The Maré do Amanhã Orchestra, who were visiting London for the first time ever this summer. We love the vibrancy of Brazilian culture and the flash mob brought pure joy and energy to the musicians and Battersea Power Station shoppers alike. The project celebrates the power of music to connect communities across the world, to be ‘as one’, to showcase Brazilian culture and to give our young people agency and voice!”

Sarah Banham, Head of Community and Sustainability at Battersea Power Station, said: “We really enjoyed working with our neighbors, World Heart Beat, to bring this vibrant and exciting flash mob to the Power Station last month. We are always looking for opportunities to bring art, music, and culture to the neighborhood and with the song’s link to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, it also tied in really well with the sports and games theme behind our new summer event, The Battersea Games. It was fantastic to see the joy the flashmob brought to shoppers and to the 50 young musicians taking part too.”