If you are interested in learning more, contact us at Info@BrazilStation.com.

An aerial view of Brasília reveals the city's "wings."

Brasília, built in the late 1950's as Brazil's new capital city, represents a fascinating moment in architectural history. In an effort to populate the country's vast interior, the Brazilian government decided to transfer the federal capital from Rio de Janeiro, located on the coast, to the country's Midwestern region. People from all over the country were hired to build the city, especially those from the Northeastern portion of Brazil. 

Brasília is the result of a modern urban project headed by Lúcio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer. Plans for the city closely followed the principles established in the Athens Charter of 1933, an international movement calling for functionalism in architectural design. As a "Functional City," Brasília's design emphasized independent spaces based on four major human activities: living, working, recreation, and circulation.

When seen from above, the city's pilot plan resembles the shape of an airplane - many prefer to refer to it as a bird with open wings or a butterfly. The architect actually hoped to invoke the shape of a cross, to symbolize possession. The Brazilian capital is the only city in the world built in the 20th century to receive the status of Historical and Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The award was bestowed in 1987, just a few short decades after the city's founding in 1960.

A scene for political events, music performances, and movie festivals, Brasília is a cosmopolitan city. The city is home to nearly 90 embassies, a wide range of restaurants, and complete infrastructure ready to host any kind of event. Not surprisingly, the city stands out as an important destination for business tourism, a rising segment of the local economy. The best time to visit the city is from April through June, when the dry season has yet to begin and beautiful days of the bluest sky are quite common - an unforgettable, unique spectacle.

For more information about Brasília, visit http://www.infobrasilia.com.br/.
For vents and places to visit in Brasília, visit  http://www.guiabsb.com.br/brasilia/guia_de_brasilia.asp.

A vegetable stand at a typical Brazilian feira livre.

Even in large Brazilian cities with supermarkets everywhere, nothing seems to dampen the national enthusiasm for the weekly feira livre, or open air market. It is more than a place where you buy fresh groceries. For locals, it's an occasion to run into friends and chat with favorite vendors. For visitors, it's an opportunity to experience the essence of Brazilian life.

Chatting in Portuguese over dinner.

More than 30 people came to practice Portuguese and make new friends at our  bate-papo (relaxed conversation) earlier this month. It was a very nice crowd and we stayed there until the place closed at 9pm. To see some pictures of the event, visit the Portuguese Meetup Group page.

Our next bate-papo will be Thursday, April 17 from 7-9pm. The event is free (you can purchase food and drinks as you choose) and is an ideal opportunity for people to practice Portuguese  in a relaxed environment. If you don't speak Portuguese yet, we will be happy to teach you at Brazil Station!

We plan to meet every first and third Thursday of each month at Guy & Gallard. Contact us at Info@BrazilStation.com to RSVP.

Guy & Gallard
        475 Park Ave South
        New York, NY 10016
        (212) 447-5282
Get directions to Guy & Gallard

Cesar Camargo Mariano (top left), João Bosco (lower left), and Harry Allen (lower right) at BossaBrazil Festival; Nelson Freire (right) plays at the Metropolitan Museum.

BossaBrasil Festival at Birdland - April 15 to 19 at 8:30pm and 11pm

The sounds of Brazil are returning to Birdland with the BossaBrasil Festival. This year features Grammy Award-winning master pianist, composer, and producer Cesar Camargo Mariano with his Trio, and renowned vocalist, guitarist, and composer João Bosco joined by the beautiful sounds of saxist Harry Allen.

For more information, visit www.birdlandjazz.com.

Birdland Jazz Club
315 W 44th St
New York, NY 10036
(212) 581-3080

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Nelson Freire at the Metropolitan Museum - April 29 at 8pm

Freire began playing the piano when he was three years old, amazing everyone around him by replaying from memory pieces his older sister had just performed. For his first public recital at the age of five, Freire chose Mozart's Sonata in A major, K. 331. He began his international career in 1959 with recitals and concerts in the major cities of Europe, the United States, Central and South America, Japan and Israel.

Freire has recently signed an exclusive contract with Decca, the first result of which are recordings devoted to the works of Chopin. This collection has been greeted with critical acclaim and has received numerous awards, including the Diapason d'Or, a "Choc" award from Monde de la Musique, a "10" rating by the Répertoire magazine, and a "recommended" citation by Classica.

For more information, visit http://www.metmuseum.org/tickets/calendar/view.asp?id=2101.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028

A group lesson at Brazil Station.

In April, we will have four new Group classes starting. Other groups may also be formed based on demand.

1. N1B - Beginner Level 1 group class will start on Thursday, April 17 at 6:15pm. It is for people with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.

2. N1BS - Beginner Level 1 group class for Spanish Speakers will start Thursday, April 17 at 8pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish or/and Italian with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.

3. N2B - Beginner Level 2 group class will start on Monday, April 21 at 6:15pm. It is for people who have some knowledge of Portuguese.

4. N2BS - Beginner Level 2 group class for Spanish Speakers will start on Wednesday April 23 at 6:15pm. It is for people fluent in Spanish or/and Italian with little or no knowledge of Portuguese.

We offer Private and Semi-private classes from Monday to Saturday. You can start taking classes with us at any day, any time. In addition to our traditional Portuguese classes, Brazil Station also offers Portuguese for Spanish and Italian Speakers, Business Portuguese, and Travel Classes. We teach off-site classes and Corporate Language Education as well. Contact us at (646) 287-6645 or Newsletter@BrazilStation.com to find the right programs for you!

Que horas são? 
What time is it?

Você mora na vizinhança?
Do you live in the neighborhood?

Você viu o último filme do Almodovar?
Have you seen the last Almodovar movie?

Não é incrível como está quente/frio hoje?
Can you believe how cold/hot it is today?

Onde você comprou estes sapatos/vestido/camisa?
Where did you buy those shoes/dress/shirt?

Sabe se vai chover mais tarde?
Is it supposed to rain later?

Quer tomar café?
Want to grab some coffee?

Foi bom falar com você.
It's been nice talking with you.