Luís Bittencourt is a musician, composer, artist-researcher, and music producer known for his multifaceted talents and innovative contributions to the arts. Renowned as a performing musician, Bittencourt has established himself as a “master of sound experimentation” (Vision Magazine), captivating audiences with performances that span a wide range of instruments and musical styles. His solo performances have been hailed as “torrents of originality”, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend classical, folk South American music, free improvisation, and contemporary experimental music into captivating experiences.
“The plurality of sounds and instruments presented by Luís Bittencourt elevates his artistry to the alchemical degree. His body movements are varnished by the playing of lights, turning him into an instantaneous shaman, a kind of high priest of sound.” (Grings Memorabilia, Brazil)
Throughout his career, Bittencourt has performed solo across Europe, Oceania, North and South America, earning accolades from esteemed venues such as Casa da Música in Portugal. He has premiered his own compositions as well as works by acclaimed composers like Tan Dun, Gabriel Prokofiev, Steve Reich, and various contemporary composers. Collaborating with renowned artists such as Lee Ranaldo and Leah Singer (Sonic Youth), Jeffrey Ziegler (former member of Kronos Quartet), Phill Niblock, Jon Rose, among others, Bittencourt has further enriched his artistic endeavors with diverse partnerships and creative exchanges.
As a composer and music producer, Bittencourt's achievements are equally impressive. His compositions have garnered recognition, including winning the prestigious "Legends of China - Confucius Arts Institute Award 2016." He has collaborated with esteemed artists and institutions such as photographer George Lange, Instagram®, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and United Nations Organisation, showcasing his versatility and expertise in music production and original composition.
Beyond his accomplishments as a performing musician and composer, Bittencourt is a dedicated artist-researcher with a passion for exploring the intersections of percussion, sound, musical performance, and artistic experimentation. His pioneering studies on percussion and musical performance have contributed groundbreaking insights to the academic community, shedding new light on creative experimentation and the concept of musical instruments in percussion performance.
With a PhD and Master's degree in Musical Performance and a Bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance, Bittencourt is deeply engaged in the international artistic and scholarly community. He is an active collaborator of organisations such as the Society of Artistic Research (SAR) and the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), where he contributes as an artistic consultant and peer reviewer for publications and conferences.
In 2023, Bittencourt released his debut solo album, Instrumentalities and Audible Volitions, showcasing his original compositions and arrangements. Whether captivating audiences on stage with his innovative performances or advancing the understanding of musical expression through scholarly pursuits, Luís Bittencourt stands as a beacon of creativity and excellence in the global music community.