Carlos Oliveira, guitarist/composer, and Berkeley Choro Ensemble

On January 9th we welcome the return to the bay area of Carlos Oliveira, Berkeley Choro Ensemble guitarist from 2010-2012, when he moved back to Brazil. We’ll feature the group in various combinations with Carlos, performing many of his incredible compositions.

Guest: Carlos Oliveira, guitarist/composer, with:

Berkeley Choro Ensemble

Jane Lenoir, flute; Harvey Wainapel, clarinet;

Ricardo Peixoto, guitar; Brian Rice pandeiro

About Carlos Oliveira

Carlos Oliveira is a guitarist, composer, arranger, and teacher from Pernambuco, in the Northeast of Brazil. He began playing guitar in his teens and and lived in the United States between 1980-2012 . He has dedicated his career to performing and teaching the rich musical traditions of his homeland. His versatile playing highlights wide range of Brazilian styles, blending authenticity with his own creative voice.

In 2000, Carlos released his album Brazilian Origins, and his group of the same name has shared the stage with major Brazilian artists including Sérgio Mendes, Gilberto Gil, Jaques Morelenbaum Quartet, and Rosa Passos. They have performed at renowned venues and festivals such as Yoshi’s, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, and the San Francisco, San José, and Monterey Jazz Festivals.

As a composer, arranger, and guitarist, Carlos has contributed to several notable projects, including Ambrosia by Bay Area saxophonist Harvey Wainapel and pianist Kenny Barron, New Choros of Brazil by Wainapel and Paulo Bellinatti, and recordings with mandolinist Mike Marshall and Choro Famoso. In 2010, he was featured in Acoustic Guitar magazine in a special “Private Lesson” interview.

After returning to Brazil in 2012, Carlos continues to compose, perform, and develop new guitar arrangements, maintaining his deep connection to Brazilian musical heritage.