Award-winning Brazilian quintet Alvorada will be joined by Brazilian mandolin virtuoso Marco Ruviaro for a unique show at SOAS as part of La Linea festival. They will be performing the music of Pixinguinha (1897-1973), one of the most important composers of choro, a lively and uplifting style of instrumental music from Rio de Janeiro. Choro emerged in the late 1800s when European salon dances (polkas, waltzes, mazurkas) reached Brazil and were infused with Afro-Brazilian rhythms.

Alvorada play Brazilian instrumental music inspired by the choro tradition. Formed in 2016, Alvorada have performed at festivals and venues such as the London Jazz Festival, Pizza Express Live and Paris International Choro Festival. Their 2019 debut album First Light, featuring traditional choros and original compositions, was received with much critical acclaim, leading to BBC Radio 3 and JazzFM appearances. Alvorada also won the LUKAS and Focus Brasil awards for ‘Best Brazilian Band’. They have recently recorded their second album, to be released in 2023.

Marco Ruviaro is a mandolin player, guitarist and composer from São Paulo, Brazil, and world-class exponent of choro. Currently based in Italy, Marco has toured extensively with his duo project ‘Choro da Rua’. He has recorded nine albums – many featuring his choro compositions – and collaborated with renowned musicians around the world such as Hamilton da Holanda, André Mehmari and Gabriele Mirabassi.

This show will be a homage to the life and works of Pixinguinha to celebrate National Choro Day. Alvorada and Marco Ruviaro will present a range of Pixinguinha’s compositions and their original works inspired by Pixinguinha, including lively choros, tear-jerking laments and swinging sambas and maxixes. Expect a show full infectious Brazilian grooves and playful virtuosic interaction!

Rachel Hayter – flutes
Andrew Woolf – clarinets / sax
Aluá Nascimento – pandeiro
Jeremy Shaverin – cavaquinho
Luiz Morais – 7-string guitar
Special guest Marco Ruviaro – mandolin

‘A fresh, innovative album” ★★★★★ Songlines

‘A tight-knit family of virtuosos…. One of the most exciting bands in London’ DJ Ritu

‘They breathe a new life into Brazil’s popular lilting choro style… adding a distinctive, contemporary edge’ Sarah Ward, Jazz FM