Musical Performance by Brazilian Band Choro das 3

 To mark the end of a challenging year in Brazil, on December 6th the Wilson Center’s Brazil Institute will present “Choro das 3,” a talented young band of three sisters who carry on the tradition of Brazil’s original popular music: choro, meaning “cry” or “lament.”

Described by experts as “the jazz of Brazil,” choro is based on improvisation. Like jazz, blues, and ragtime, choro grew from many influences. It is part of a rich musical dialogue between Brazil and the United States that dates back to the 1860s, when New Orleans classical composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk landed in Rio de Janeiro.

This conversation is sustained to this day by American and Brazilian composers and performers, including Choro das 3. Corina (flute), Lia (seven-string acoustic guitar), Elisa (mandolin, clarinet, banjo, and piano), and their father, Eduardo Meyer (tambourine), travel each year to the United States to perform their unique Brazilian music at universities, community centers, local festivals and other venues. On December 6th, the band will perform a number of their hits, interspersed with a discussion of Brazilian music and the vibrant musical dialogue that keeps Brazil and the United States culturally connected.

A reception will follow the performance.

Choro das 3 started playing in 2002 when the girls were still very young: Corina was 14, Lia was 12, and Elisa was only 9 years old. This is the group’s 5th USA Tour. Choro das 3 has played at many high profile events, such New Year’s Eve in São Paulo for an audience of over 1 million people! The group won Best Group of Popular Music from the Paulista Association of Art Critics in 2008 and the Adoniran Barbosa Prize in 2003. They have recorded 5 albums since 2008. The band has performed in concerts and conducted workshops all over Brazil, the USA, Mexico, and France.