Hermeto Pascoal, Brazilian music wizard, passes away at 89

Hermeto Pascoal, the composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist known as the wizard of sounds, passed away on Saturday (13) at the age of 89. The news was confirmed on social media in a statement signed by the artist’s team and family, who did not disclose the cause of death. ‘With serenity and love, we announce that Hermeto Pascoal has transitioned to the spiritual realm, surrounded by family and music companions. At the exact moment of his passing, his band was on stage, as he would have liked, making sound and music,’ the post read. Pascoal was scheduled to perform at the AcessaBH festival in the capital of Minas Gerais on Saturday, but the show was canceled hours before. ‘As he always taught us, let’s not allow sadness to take over, let’s listen to the wind, the birdsong, the water glass, the waterfall; universal music continues to live,’ the statement continued. ‘We ask for respect and privacy at this time. Those who wish to pay tribute, let a note ring out on an instrument, in your voice, in a kettle, and offer it to the universe. That’s how he would have liked it.’ For the past year, Pascoal had been canceling shows due to his declining health, although details about his condition were never disclosed to the public. Despite living a private life, the musician will have a farewell ceremony open to the public, according to the family, who will release more information soon.