by Zenith Wolfe
Victor Anastacio moved to Canada to find a safer home for his son, but after his first Canadian concert, the Brazilian guitarist also found a new home for his music.
Anastacio performed at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage on June 1. He played songs from his debut album, Moongate, alongside flutist Colleen Leslie and double bassist Philippe Charbonneau.
Victor Anastacio performs at the NAC Fourth Stage in June 2023 with Philippe Charbonneau and Colleen Leslie. Photo: Zenith Wolfe.
The Brazilian musician learned to play classical guitar at the Conservatory of Tatuí in his young adulthood. He enjoyed the school’s quiet and soft repertoire, but wanted to continue exploring musically, so he attended open mic nights at pubs on the side and learned to play pop and rock songs.
By the late 2010s, he had ideas for compositions, but no way to put them to paper—between finishing his studies, taking care of his son, Vinny, and dealing with Brazilian politics, Anastacio was too busy and stressed to write.
“Brazil is a great country, it’s very nice, but it has a lot of political problems. It’s not that safe, and I decided that’s not where I want to raise my son,” he said.
With the help of his Ottawa-based sister-in-law, Anastacio, his wife Maria, and Vinny moved to Ottawa in February 2020. Anastacio said everyone has been “nice and welcoming” so far in Canada, and he’s been able to find a lot of work as a private music instructor while recording Moongate.
“I can let (Vinny) play outside with being worried. This whole security just gives this comfort,” he said.
He began to focus on the album in 2021, with a final release in March 2023. The album displays his multi-genre interest through dreamy guitar melodies and fancy fingerpicking, and the combination of classical-sounding flute and rock- and jazz-inspired double bass. Anastacio said the guitar acts as a bridge between the two instruments, giving him the freedom to switch from melodic to aggressive tunes.
Victor Anastacio performs at the NAC Fourth Stage in June 2023 with Philippe Charbonneau. Photo: Zenith Wolfe.
He also brought over some Brazilian bossa nova influences, though they’re incorporated in a less obvious way: Instead of using the distinct rhythms bossa nova is known for, he uses the genre’s harmonies and chord progressions.
“It gives originality. You’re not expecting it,” Anastacio said. “Again, it stays in between.”
The compositions sound like part of a soundtrack for a fantasy world, which is why they’re accompanied by fantastical landscape paintings made by Max Suleimanov. Flutist Leslie said it feels like Moongate takes you on a musical journey.
Colleen Leslie and Victor Anastacio. Photo: Zenith Wolfe.
“This album has many emotions,” Leslie said. “In one moment you’re crying, in another moment you’re surprised, and in another you’re dancing. It’s different parts of the human experience.”
Anastacio said his performance at the NAC was relaxed, and the attendees were supportive, which made him feel welcome as an immigrant and a musician. Showcasing his music on a large scale was also liberating: “It feels like a dream come true.”
You can listen to Moongate online via Victor Anastacio’s website or on Spotify and YouTube or purchase a CD directly from the artist.
