Época de Ouro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1964

Genres

choro, instrumental, samba

Instruments

bandolim, violão, violão de sete cordas, cavaquinho, pandeiro, flauta

Biography

Época de Ouro is a renowned regional choro ensemble founded in 1964 by the virtuoso mandolinist Jacob do Bandolim. Organized in its definitive lineup in 1966 — which featured legendary names like Dino Sete Cordas and César Faria —, the group played a fundamental role in the resistance and preservation of choro during a decade when bossa nova dominated the Brazilian music scene.

Following Jacob's passing in 1969, the ensemble temporarily suspended its activities until returning in 1973 at the invitation of Paulinho da Viola for the show SARAU at Teatro da Lagoa. This return coincided with the emergence of Clube do Choro, conceived by Paulinho da Viola and Sérgio Cabral, propelling an important national movement to value and disseminate the instrumental genre.

Throughout its trajectory, the group has collaborated with several icons of Brazilian music, such as Marisa Monte, Ivan Lins, Beth Carvalho, and Zeca Pagodinho, in addition to undertaking highly successful international tours, especially in Japan. With over four decades of history and dozens of recorded albums, Época de Ouro remains one of the greatest bastions of choro tradition in Brazil, currently featuring acclaimed musicians in its lineup.