Alexandre de la Pena

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1980s

Genres

choro, instrumental music, MPB

Instruments

6-string guitar, 7-string guitar, mandolin, vocals

Biography

Alexandre de la Pena is a Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, singer, arranger, and composer, born in Rio de Janeiro on May 6, 1955. He began his musical journey as a self-taught artist, later refining his knowledge through professional courses and with renowned teachers such as Walter de Souza, Maria de Cerqueira, Odair Assad, and Sérgio Benevenuto. His versatility led him to master instruments such as the six- and seven-string guitar and the mandolin.

Starting in the 1980s, de la Pena established himself professionally, joining several prominent musical groups, such as Tucunaré, Madeira de Lei, Galo Preto, Família Violão, Água de Moringa, Quarteto Henrique Cazes, and the Orquestra de Cordas Brasileiras. With the latter, he released the CD "Orquestra de Cordas Brasileiras" in 1989, which received the Sharp Award in the "Best Instrumental Album" and "Best Instrumental Group" categories. That same year, he participated in the CD "Radamés Gnattali – Retratos," alongside Chiquinho do Acordeon and Raphael Rabello.

Throughout his career, Alexandre de la Pena also dedicated himself to composition, with works that spanned various musical genres. In 2001, he presented his composition "Avenida Central" at the MIS Choro Festival. In 2006, his partnership with Claudio Latini resulted in the inclusion of the song "Sonho e realidade" on the CD "Receita para a vida," released by the Norwegian musician. His work and his performance as an instrumentist solidify him as a relevant figure in Brazilian instrumental music.