Camerata Carioca

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1979–1986

Genres

choro, instrumental music

Instruments

mandolin, acoustic guitar, 7-string acoustic guitar, cavaquinho, pandeiro, piano, percussion, flute, saxophone

Biography

Camerata Carioca emerged in 1979 from the ensemble Joel Nascimento e Quinteto, during a series of concerts entitled "Tributo a Jacob do Bandolim", conceived to honor the tenth anniversary of the passing of the famous mandolinist. Initially, the group featured Joel Nascimento on the bandolim, Raphael Rabello on the 7-string violão, Luciana Rabello on the cavaquinho, Maurício Carrilho and Luís Otávio Braga on violões, and Celsinho Silva on the pandeiro, in addition to the essential participation of pianist and arranger Radamés Gnatalli.

Throughout its trajectory, the group underwent lineup changes. Starting in 1980, it came to be integrated by Joel Nascimento, Henrique Cazes, João Pedro Borges, Maurício Carrilho, Luiz Otávio Braga, and Beto Cazes. Later on, new names joined the ensemble, such as Joaquim Santos and flutist and saxophonist Dazinho, consolidating a sophisticated instrumental sound that marked the Brazilian musical scene.

Camerata Carioca maintained its activities and performances until May 1986, when the group was dissolved. Alongside artists like Jacob do Bandolim, the ensemble played a fundamental role in the dissemination, preservation, and renewal of choro and Brazilian instrumental music, leaving a lasting legacy in the country's culture.

Discography

• Radamés Gnattali, Camerata Carioca – Vivaldi & Pixinguinha (1980)
• Radamés Gnattali - Joel Nascimento - Camerata Carioca – Tributo a Jacob do Bandolim (1980)
• Tocar (1983)
• Elizeth - Uma Rosa para Pixinguinha (1983)
• José Tobias & Radamés Gnattali, Camerata Carioca, Octeto Brasilis – Rapsódia Brasileira (1984)
• Radamés Gnattali, Tom Jobim, Paulinho da Viola, José Menezes, Chiquinho do Acordeão, Camerata Carioca, Brasil Quarteto – Projeto Almirante (1985)