Choro na Rua

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

2016

Genres

choro, MPB, instrumental

Instruments

flute, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, cavaquinho, seven-string guitar, pandeiro

Biography

Choro na Rua is a collective of Brazilian musicians dedicated to preserving and popularizing the rich tradition of choro, an instrumental music genre that originated in Rio de Janeiro in the late 19th century. Formed in December 2016, the collective emerged from an impromptu jam session on a street in Rio de Janeiro after a book launch event for "Zé da Velha e Silvério Pontes – 30 Anos." The group's mission is to bring choro back to its roots, played in public spaces like streets, squares, and backyards, making this over 150-year-old genre accessible to a wider audience. They believe in playing choro with joy, encouraging dancing and listening, and fostering a sense of musical conversation and camaraderie among musicians. The collective comprises a fluid group of musicians, often featuring around ten instrumentalists per event, including prominent figures in the Brazilian music scene.

Choro na Rua's performances are held in various public spaces across Rio de Janeiro and Niterói, such as Praça Santos Dumont, Pedra do Sal, Praça Saens Pena, and Jardim Icaraí. The collective has also produced remote video performances of choro classics during the pandemic for their YouTube channel. In 2023, they released the album "Obrigado, Zé da Velha!", a tribute to Zé da Velha and other great Brazilian composers and instrumentalists, featuring interpretations of iconic choro pieces. This album marked the first official recording of their "roda de choro" (jam circle) tradition.

The collective's name, "Choro na Rua" (Choro on the Street), is a direct homage to the genre's origins, when informal jam sessions would take place in public areas. Their approach emphasizes technical mastery, musical solidarity, and a joyful, communicative performance style, aiming to connect with both seasoned choro enthusiasts and new listeners. Choro na Rua represents a vibrant continuation of Brazil's instrumental heritage, ensuring that the spirit and sound of choro remain alive and evolving.