Melody of Two Worlds
Traditional Jazz meets Brazilian Rhythms
A celebration of the vibrant musical dialogue between New Orleans jazz and Brazilian rhythms, led by vocalist Ponya Ferdinand and bassist Leonardo Lucini.
about the program
Melody of Two Worlds is the creative vision of Ponya Ferdinand and Leonardo Lucini, two dedicated arts educators and accomplished musicians teaching in the New York City Department of Education. Born from a deep mutual respect and admiration for each other’s artistry, this collaboration is a heartfelt exploration of their cultural roots—Ponya from New Orleans, Louisiana, and Leonardo from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The project began without a fixed destination, guided instead by a shared desire to connect through music. It is a conversation between traditions, rhythms, and stories—a blending of worlds where choro meets jazz, and the spirit of two cities is translated into sound. Through this ongoing journey, Ponya and Leonardo are not just merging repertoires, but discovering a new musical language born of friendship, culture, and creative freedom.
Happy Spring from Melody of Two Worlds!
We had such a beautiful time in New Orleans this spring! Our second performance at the New Orleans Jazz Museum is officially in the books, and truly, who could ask for anything more?
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Lis McClendon at the New Orleans Jazz Museum for booking our performance. We are also deeply grateful to Danny and Travis, the museum’s outstanding sound technicians, whose expertise helped make the evening sound incredible.
Special thanks go to New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Elizabeth Ramoni and the board for awarding us a Community Partnership Grant, which made this project possible.
Brazilian Rhythms Meet New Orleans Jazz
This year’s performance celebrated the vibrant fusion of Brazilian rhythms and New Orleans jazz traditions. Our repertoire featured Brazilian styles such as Afoxé, Xote, and Frevo, blended with beloved classics.
Our musical director, Leonardo Lucini, created original arrangements of:
- Bésame Mucho
- Jambalaya
- When the Saints Go Marching In
Each arrangement brought fresh energy and cross-cultural excitement to these timeless songs.
A Packed House During Jazz Fest
Because our concert took place during New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, we prepared ourselves for a small audience. Instead, the room was filled to capacity, with standing room only!
The enthusiasm of the audience was unforgettable. Their warmth and energy made us feel truly alive.
Welcoming a New Band Member
We were thrilled to welcome percussionist Alejandro Lucini, who joined us from Florida. His addition brought a dynamic new dimension to the ensemble and elevated the overall sound and spirit of the performance.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to share excerpts from the concert, along with candid photos of our friends and family who joined us for this special evening.
And the journey continues…
Next up: recording our first live album! Woohoo!
Thank you to all of our supporters, friends, and family. Your encouragement means the world to us.
With gratitude,
Melody of Two Worlds
BECHET MEETS PIXINGUINHA
We begin our collaboration by honoring two legendary composers from our respective cultures: Sidney Bechet and Pixinguinha. Both born in 1897, they were masters of their craft and virtuosos of their respective woodwind instruments. Beyond their extraordinary technical skill, each revolutionized the way their instrument was played, expanding its expressive possibilities. They were also prolific composers who possessed a deep understanding of melody, harmony, and form—creating music that continues to inspire across generations and borders.
Pixinguinha
The music of Pixinguinha, born Alfredo da Rocha Viana Filho, is foundational to modern Brazilian music. Emerging from the Choro tradition, he was a virtuoso whose talents spanned a range of jazz styles—from Samba and New Orleans Jazz to ragtime. A master of multiple instruments, Pixinguinha stood apart from his contemporaries through his exceptional skills as a composer, songwriter, and orchestral leader. Like Quincy Jones, he was a youthful prodigy whose talent and determination allowed him to overcome racial barriers and societal limitations, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of music.
Sidney Bechet was a man of immense genius and fiery temperament. While Choro music eased listeners into its graceful melodies, Bechet—much like his contemporary Jelly Roll Morton—brought a bold, unapologetic edge to his sound. His playing carried the raw, emotional power of the Southern Black church—the “holler” that echoed from its pews—and balanced it with a profound sense of elegance. Bechet embodied contradiction: both scratchy and smooth, refined and untamed. His music was a dialogue between the sacred and the profane, with an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other.
Both Ponya and Leonardo are descendants of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which carried their ancestors to opposite sides of the Western Hemisphere. Despite the ocean that separates them, both artists share a deep-rooted connection to Africa and honor the resilience and sacrifice of those who came before them. They recognize that the cultural traditions, innovations, and spirit of enslaved Africans profoundly shaped both Brazilian and American societies.
Ponya and Leonardo carry this legacy with intention—each doing their part to preserve, represent, and share the cultural wealth they have inherited. Lucini, a rich blend of African, Italian, and Indigenous ancestry, carries this legacy forward in Brazil, while Ponya continues the tradition in the United States. Across hemispheres, they remain united by heritage, history, and the healing power of music.
The Artists
Ponya Ferdinand
Ponya Ferdinand is a gifted performing artist from the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Trained in acting, dance, and musical theater, she brings a deep appreciation for storytelling and stagecraft to every performance. Ponya holds a BFA in Drama from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and a master’s degree in dance education from NYU’s Steinhardt School.
Leonardo lucini
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Leonardo Lucini leads the band for this show. Before moving to NYC, the respected bassist/composer and teacher played a leading role in popularizing Brazilian jazz in the Washington, D.C. area. He has performed with internationally renowned artists such as Nestor Torres, Arturo O’Farrill, Alex Acuna, Chuchito Valdez, Jeff Antoniuk, Rogerio Souza, Giovanni Hidalgo and Horacio (El Negro) Hernandez, among others. In Brazil, Lucini performed with Nó Em Pingo D’Agua, saxophonist Paulo Moura, Marcos Vale, and Orquestra de Música Brasileira. A beloved educator, Lucini has given lectures and clinics at Berklee College of Music, Goucher College, University of Maryland and at George Washington, George Mason and Georgetown Universities. He has performed at D.C. venues such as the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, Library of Congress and Smithsonian Institute. In NYC, he has played Blue Note, The MET, The Jazz Forum and many other cultural hot spots. He performs his original music with his band Origem. He is a graduate of Howard University with a master’s degree in music from the University of Maryland.
Media
Behind the Scenes
This program was made possible through a Community Partnership Grant from the Jazz & Heritage Foundation. The performance took place on Thursday, April 30 at 1:00 PM, thanks to the generous support and scheduling coordination of Lisa McClendon, Director of Education, and Greg Lambousy, Director of the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Special thanks also to the incredible technical team whose expertise helped bring this performance to life.
Program
- Summertime,” arranged by Leonardo Lucini, offers a fresh take on the Gershwin classic, infusing it with the gentle sway and vibrant rhythms of a samba Rhythm.
- Blues my Naughty Sweetie arranged by Alejandro Canales, this is a playful, flirtatious tune, steeped in traditional jazz sass.
- Si tu vois ma mere (1952) — Sidney Bechet’s hauntingly beautiful instrumental, reimagined with a delicate vocal thread and a touch of saudade.
- Honeysuckle Rose,” arranged by Leonardo Lucini, reimagines Fats Waller’s joyful classic—made famous by Sidney Bechet’s fiery performances—with a lively Brazilian rhythm that brings new energy to the timeless tune.
- Carinhoso (1928) — One of the most beloved Brazilian songs of all time. Tender and timeless, this melody floats like a lullaby, sung from the heart.
- Rosa A masterpiece of lyricism and restraint, “Rosa” blooms with gentle sophistication and poetic beauty.
- Lamentos
- 1×0
Upcoming projects
Melody of Two Worlds is preparing for an exciting new chapter. Our musicians are reapplying for the Jazz & Heritage Foundation Partnership Grant to support future performances and community engagement. We’re also renewing our collaboration with the New Orleans Jazz Museum to continue sharing our unique sound with wider audiences. Up next: we’re developing a fresh set of classic jazz standards infused with vibrant Brazilian rhythms—stay tuned for announcements about our next show, Samba en Rose.
MELODY of TWo WORLDS 