Amilton Godoy, Léa Freire and the Berkeley Choro Ensemble

In 1964, São Paulo Pianist Amilton Godoy formed the iconic Zimbo Trio. Combining the rhythms of samba and bossa nova with jazz, this became one of the most influential Brazilian instrumental groups in the second half of the 20th Century, making 51 recordings and performing in 40 countries. Flutist Léa Freire joined forces with Godoy in 2011 to record a CD of her compostions, followed by 2017’s A Mil Tons, featuring the pianist’s works. The duo has toured throughout Brazil, Argentina, and now the USA.

The Berkeley Choro Ensemble, formed in 2010, has dedicated itself to the performance of recent choro works and collaborations with renowned Brazilian composers and performers. (Choro, originating in the late 1800s, was Brazil’s first national instrumental music, and is the root of samba and bossa nova.) The concert will feature both groups separately, together, and also various duos and trios. The Berkeley Choro Ensemble: Jane Lenoir (flute); Harvey Wainapel (clarinet); Ricardo Peixoto (7-string acoustic guitar); and Brian Rice (hand percussion).