ABOUT
Simone Menezes is celebrated for her artistic excellence, musical and intellectual depth, acclaimed recordings, and leadership.
Her engagements include collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, BBC Scottish Symphony, Philharmonia Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, Santa Cecilia Orchestra, Osaka Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra. She has also partnered with distinguished soloists and composers, including Fazıl Say, Gautier Capuçon, Thomas Adès, Kaija Saariaho, and Philippe Hersant. Throughout her career, Simone has led over 20 world premieres, excelling in both traditional and contemporary repertoires.
Simone is highly praised for leading both traditional orchestral performances and complex multidisciplinary projects. Her recordings have garnered critical acclaim, including a project to record the complete works of Maurice Ravel. The first release in this series, featuring pianist François-Xavier Poizat and the London Philharmonia Orchestra, was selected as Editor’s Choice by Gramophone magazine.
Among her innovative projects is the award-winning documentary Metanoia—featuring music by Puccini, Pärt, and Bach—which won the "Best Video in Performance & Documentaries" award at the 2023 International Classical Music Awards.
Other major project is the Amazonia concert, a partnership with renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado. Combining the music of Philip Glass and Heitor Villa-Lobos with Salgado’s photography, this project was recorded with the Zurich Philharmonia and released as a highly praised CD. Performed in major concert halls worldwide for over five years. Recently in 2024, Simone premiered a celebrated interpretation of “Scheherazade, a tale” at the Boulez Saal in Berlin. Developed during an artistic residency, the project included a double CD recording released by Alpha Classics, featuring a collaboration with actress Golshifteh Farahani. In 2025, she will present Four Elements with the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra at the Universal Exhibition in Osaka, featuring the world premiere of Fazıl Say's Piano Concerto, commissioned for the occasion.
An Italo-Brazilian artist, Simone studied in São Paulo, Paris, and London, and was mentored by Paavo Järvi. She had a large career in Brazil either as principal and guest conductor, then since 2017 she’s based in Europe. Simone currently resides in France, where she was honored as one of the "100 Femmes de Culture" for her contributions to Francophone cultural life. She also leads her Ensemble K, a France-based group acclaimed for its innovation, charisma, and integrity. Founded in 2019, the ensemble explores a rich repertoire blending classical traditions with bold, forward-looking projects. Described by Le Monde as "Klassic, Kosmopolitan, Kréatif, Konnected," the group embodies a cosmopolitan identity and creative vision under Simone’s leadership.