Choro is considered to be the first urban music of Brazil, fusing elements of European and African music yet played in a distinctly Brazilian way.

Choro is to Brazil what Jazz is to the United States. Born in Rio de Janeiro in the 19th century, choro music has evolved throughout the years, especially through the works of masters like Jacob do Bandolim and Pixinguinha.

Choro remains strong in Brazil today, with each generation of young musicians re-shaping the choro tradition. One of these shining young artists is Dudu Maia.

A virtuoso of the bandolim (Portuguese for “mandolin”), Dudu Maia served for five years as the bandolim professor of Brazil’s most respected choro school, the Escola Brasileira de Choro Raphael Rabello in the nation’s capital, Brasília. Considered to be one of Brazil’s top bandolim players, Dudu brings to his work more than a decade of research and study of Brazil’s greatest musical traditions: as well as influences from diverse styles such as progressive rock.

Dudu Maia is distinguished for his soulful style, his unique touch, and his mastery of the 10 stringed bandolim, an instrument that has two more strings than the standard bandolim, expanding it’s musical range and harmony. The mandolin, played especially in bluegrass, is an instrument close to the hearts of many in the U.S.

Dudu studied with masters such as Hamilton de Holanda, Gamela and Alencar Soares as well as at the Universidade de Brasilia. He has performed with renowned Brazilian artists like: Zelia Duncan, Marco Pereira, and Marcio Bahia. Recently he completed a self-titled album commissioned by the Brazilian government that was released in October 2006 in New York City with an outstanding reaction from the public. Also the latest CD of the Brazilian choro group “Aquattro” was just released, showcasing Dudu’s interpretation of works of the legendary Brazilian bandolim player, Luperce Miranda.


Dudu just completed a Fall 2006 North American tour as a special guest with New York City accordionist Rob Curto and his group Forró For All, also producing and arranging Rob’s latest recording “Piano de Fole”. Together with Forró For All, Dudu was featured at the Chicago World Music Festival, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and many other important venues in the U.S. and Canada.

In his group Dudu Maia brings together a killer quartet of talent and sonority: the percussion section of Rafael Black and George Lacerda, Wava el Afiouni on 6-stringed electric bass, and special guest Rob Curto on piano accordion. Together they light up the stage with their joy and energy, with non-stop musical conversation and improvisation, interpreting choro and other styles from the rich musical heritage of Brazil in a fresh, and creative way.