Grupo Sarau

Years Active

1997–2007

Genres

choro, instrumental brazilian popular music

Instruments

cavaquinho, mandolin, pandeiro

Biography

Grupo Sarau was a Brazilian choro ensemble active from 1997 to 2007. The group was dedicated to researching and promoting instrumental Brazilian popular music, with a particular focus on choro, but also encompassing polkas, maxixes, xotes, frevos, waltzes, and sambas. They were known for their weekly choro jam sessions in Rio de Janeiro, which featured various guest musicians.

Key members of Grupo Sarau included Bruno Rian, André Bellieny, Sérgio Prata, and Carlos Agenor. Bruno Rian, a multi-instrumentalist, began playing pandeiro at age three and later mastered the cavaquinho and bandolim. Sérgio Prata was involved in musical direction and arrangements for the group and had previously participated in events like the "Semana Jacob do Bandolim" and the "II Festival do Choro do Rio de Janeiro." Carlos Agenor was also a member of the group Naquele Tempo, which won choro festivals in 1982 and 1983.

During their active years, Grupo Sarau presented events such as "Sarau e..." and "Projeto Estação Guanabara." They also released a CD titled "Cordas Novas" in 1999. The group's performances often paid homage to renowned choro composers like Ernesto Nazareth, Joaquim Callado, Chiquinha Gonzaga, Anacleto de Medeiros, Pixinguinha, and Jacob do Bandolim.