Orquestra de Violeiros de Osasco

Origin

Osasco, SP

Years Active

1967

Genres

traditional country music, caipira music

Instruments

caipira viola, acoustic guitar, double bass, percussion

Biography

The Osasco Viola Orchestra is a pioneer in the genre and was founded in 1967 by maestro Marino Cafundó, with the goal of bringing together pairs of viola players for performances. The orchestra held Brazil's first viola player mass in 1969, at the Santo Antônio Church in Osasco, and from then on began a series of performances across the interior of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. One of its notable achievements was a performance with 146 viola players at the inauguration of the Pilgrims' Hall in Aparecida do Norte.

In 1971, Marino Cafundó founded the House of Viola Players of Brazil, which contributed to the professionalization of the orchestra's musicians. Throughout its history, the Osasco Viola Orchestra has accompanied renowned artists such as Sérgio Reis, Tonico e Tinoco, and Cacique e Pajé in performances at the Municipal Theater of São Paulo. It also participated in recordings, such as Dércio Marques's 1979 album.

In the 1990s, the orchestra hosted the "Capital da Viola" program on Rádio Difusora Oeste and maintained weekly performances at the House of the Viola Player in Osasco. The Osasco Viola Orchestra is recognized for keeping the culture of traditional country music alive, with a repertoire that rescues classics of the genre, avoiding commercial modern country music (sertanejo universitário). Its work has been fundamental for the preservation of the memory and values of rural culture, while also incorporating innovations into its musical language.

Discography

• Viola Minha Rainha (1984)