A Festivity of Choro: A Deep Dive into Brazilian Instrumental Music

Aix-en-Provence is set to become a vibrant hub for Brazilian music as La Roda, an organization dedicated to promoting the lively and virtuosic instrumental genre of Choro since 2007, hosts a festival featuring some of Brazil’s finest musicians. This year’s event promises a series of concerts, masterclasses, and participatory sessions, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Choro music.

Choro, often described as the “Brazilian blues,” is characterized by its improvisational nature, complex harmonies, and infectious rhythms. It’s a genre that demands both technical skill and emotional expression, making it a captivating experience for both performers and audiences. According to recent studies, interest in world music genres like Choro has seen a 20% increase in Europe over the past five years, indicating a growing thankfulness for diverse musical traditions.

Festival Highlights: Concerts and Collaborative Performances

The festival boasts a diverse program, showcasing both established masters and emerging talents in the Choro scene.

Friday Evening: A Fusion of Styles

The festivities kick off on Friday with two distinct performances at La Manufacture.

• Cristiano Nascimento and Wim Welker (8 p.m.): The duo will present their new album, Portraits, a collection that blends Brazilian popular music with personal improvisations.
• Jayme Vignoli (9:30 p.m.): Composer, arranger, and multi-award-winning instrumentalist jayme Vignoli will lead a concert titled Honour to Strings, highlighting the versatility and beauty of string instruments in Choro music.

Saturday Evening: A Grand Orchestral Experience

Saturday’s highlight is the performance by the festival’s large choro ensemble, comprised of musicians from across Europe who have spent the week studying with Brazilian masters. The Roda choir will also participate, adding another layer of depth to the performance.

Sunday afternoon: participatory Choro

The festival culminates on Sunday with a Roda de Choro fence, a participatory concert held at the Petit Duke and the Aix Félix-Ciccolini art school. This informal jam session invites musicians of all levels to join in and experience the spontaneous and interactive nature of Choro music. All instrumentalists are welcome to participate!

Abel Luiz: A Torchbearer of tradition

A key figure in the contemporary Carioca Choro scene, Abel Luiz will perform on Saturday evening. A living repository of Choro tradition, Luiz learned from the genre’s elders at a young age. As an author, composer, performer, and improviser proficient in all string instruments, he represents the future of Choro music. The festival will conclude with all the musicians joining him on stage for a grand finale.

Abel Luiz is an essential figure of the new Carioca scene from Choro.

Event Details and Ticket Information

For a complete program schedule and ticket pricing, please visit [link to program and prices]. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Brazilian Choro music!