The Orchard is saddened to share that Brazilian singer and activist, Elza Soares, has passed away at the age of 91. Elza was not only an icon in Brazilian music, but a voice of revolution. Elza delivered an unwavering hope for equality and justice.
In 2015, Elza Soares came back to music in a huge way, with the release of A Mulher do Fim do Mundo, an emotional opera about the challenges of oppression. The album which translates to “The Woman at the End of the World” went on to win the Latin Grammy MPB Album of the Year. Elza continued to tour in the largest stadiums and most prestigious venues around the world and even performed during the opening ceremony for Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Elza’s most recent album, Planeta Fome, pays homage to her early struggles as a hungry mother in a society polarized by wealth. However, as Elza became successful her hunger never waned but only grew and developed into a hunger for equality and human rights. That same hunger drove Elza to share her music and continue creating into her 90’s.
We are grateful to have worked closely with Elza and know her message of equality and acceptance will live on through her music.
