In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Brazil’s independence, the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra makes its Carnegie Hall debut with a program fitting the historic occasion. The concert begins with Rimsky-Korsakov’s hugely popular Scheherazade, a symphonic suite inspired by the legendary heroine and folklore of One Thousand and One Nights. The second half of the performance treats audiences to the music of essential Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos. A majestic prelude from one of his Bach-meets-Brazil imaginings opens the proceedings. Harmonica master José Staneck, one of the preeminent players of this repertoire, maximizes the lyrical beauty of the Harmonica Concerto. The São Paulo Symphony Choir then joins for the simmering and ultimately explosive Chôros No. 10.