Rodrigo Delage

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Years Active

1997

Genres

viola caipira, música instrumental brasileira, regional music

Instruments

viola caipira, guitar, vocals

Biography

Rodrigo Delage is a Brazilian viol player, composer, and singer born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Growing up largely in the interior of the state, particularly in Pirapora, he developed a deep connection to the regional culture of the São Francisco River, which introduced him to the traditional viola caipira. In addition to his thriving musical career, he has worked as a public defender since 2008 after completing his law degree.

Throughout his career, Delage has released acclaimed instrumental works and collaborated with numerous notable figures in Brazilian roots music. His 2003 debut album, Viola Caipira Instrumental, earned him accolades at the Prêmio Nacional de Excelência da Viola. He has worked alongside prominent artists such as Chico Lobo, Tavinho Moura, and Ivan Vilela, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of traditional Minas Gerais musical aesthetics.

His discography also features conceptually rich projects, including Imaginário Roseano and Águas de uma Saudade – Viola Caipira, the latter of which won the Prêmio Rozini de Excelência da Viola in 2013. Beyond traditional albums, Delage has composed soundtracks for documentary films and expanded his repertoire to interpret works inspired by authors like Guimarães Rosa and Manoel de Barros, as well as adapting songs by Tom Jobim and Jorge Drexler.

Discography

• Viola Caipira Instrumental (2003)
• aguas de uma saudade viola caipira (2008)
• Périplo - Viola Caipira (2014)